Malik Willis is set to play a key role in shaping the future of the Miami Dolphins after some big changes to the team’s roster. The team’s General Manager, Jon-Eric Sullivan, along with Head Coach Jeff Hafley, made a bold move by trading away star wide receiverJaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos.
This decision shows that the team has faith in Willis to guide their new offense. The Miami organization is now focusing on building a stable, long-term future instead of holding on to costly veteran players.
Miami Dolphins trade Jaylen Waddle to build around Malik Willis
Jaylen Waddle’s trade to the Denver Broncos on March 18, 2026 significantly changed the team structure. Miami received 3 specific draft picks in return for the receiver. These include the 30th overall pick in the first round.
Jaylen Waddle
Dec 21, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) reacts during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
They also gained pick 94 in the third round and pick 130 in the fourth round. Denver received Waddle and pick 111. This trade created a $23.2 million dead-cap hit for Miami in 2026. The front office accepted this cost to gain future flexibility.
Malik Willis signed a 3-year contract worth $67.5 million on March 12, 2026. This deal includes $45 million in guaranteed funds. Team leaders spoke with Willis before they finalized the Waddle trade. They wanted their quarterback to understand the plan.
NFL Network reporter Cameron Wolfeconfirmed the team gave Willis a heads-up. The Dolphins view Willis as the definite starter for the 2026 season. He is not a temporary fix for the roster. Sullivan and Hafley worked with Willis previously in Green Bay.
“From the conversations I’ve had, they gave Malik Willis a heads-up. [They had] a conversation before they traded Jaylen Waddle. He was in the know of this decision,” Wolfe told this onThe Insiders.
Malik Willis has bright opportunity at start of Dolphins rebuild & plenty of draft picks to grow with him.
I’m told Miami kept Willis in the loop informing him before Jaylen Waddle trade: sign of how org feels about him.
More on new Dolphins/Willis for @nflnetwork The Insiders: pic.twitter.com/xokv0NCbwy
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) March 28, 2026
The Dolphins finished last season with a 73.1 score in the PFSN NFL Offense Impact rankings. This placed them 19th among 32 teams. Sullivan wants to improve this number by using a mobile quarterback. The team now owns 11 total picks for the upcoming April draft.
This draft inventory includes 2 selections in the first round. Management might still draft another quarterback for competition. However, the current runway belongs to Willis alone. The roster reflects a focus on youth and lower long-term costs.
Willis now has to show what he’s really capable of since he no longer has a star player like Waddle to rely on. The team has taken away a key target to see whether the quarterback can help lift his teammates’ performance. How he performs in 2026 will determine if the $67.5 million they spent on him was a smart decision or a big risk.