Miami Dolphins
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The Dolphins shared an update on the future of the quarterback position
After six years, the Miami Dolphins decided to part ways with former Pro Bowl quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Miami wasted no time replacing Tagovailoa, as they signed free agent quarterback Malik Willis to a three-year, $67 million contract with $45 million guaranteed, despite Willis only having six career starts.
Willis, who was originally drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the third-round of the 2022 NFL Draft, was traded to Green Bay after two difficult seasons with the Titans. Miami’s general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, who previously served as the Packers vice president of player personnel, was among the members of Green Bay’s front office when the Packers acquired Willis. Additionally, Jon Robinson, who is Miami’s senior personnel executive, was the Titans general manager when they drafted Willis.
It is safe to say Miami is familiar with their new quarterback despite him not having played a snap with the Dolphins. And now, general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has seemingly ended all doubt on who Miami’s quarterback for the future is after recent statements. However, Miami’s actions have indicated that they may not be done addressing the position.
Miami Dolphins General Manager Talks Malik Willis
During the NFL owners meetings,Miami Dolphins general manager told Miami Herald writer Barry Jackson,“Malik is our guy. Malik is an ascending player. It was important for us to get him on a three-year deal. We want to build around him. It’s not a bandaid. He’s got to go play and he knows this… He’s got an elite arm. He’s a very, very good athlete. Big strong powerful body… can make plays with his legs.”
Prior to Willis signing with Miami, he was ranked as the top free agent in the NFL by NFL.com’sGregg Rosenthal. He wrote, “I see him as the most dynamic quarterback in football as a runner, and his tape in Green Bay showed incredible growth as a passer over his two years with Matt LaFleur. Despite his limited sample size, Willis jumped to the top spot of this ranking based on the same logic that applies to the NFL draft: If a potential franchise quarterback is good enough to be ranked in the top five of a list like this, then he should be placed first, by virtue of the position. The ceiling is the roof.”
The Dolphins have primarily spent the offseason improving their long-term salary cap situation; however, the team made an exception for Willis, as he was Miami’s only free agent addition to receive a contract worth over $3 million.
Dolphins Ty Simpson Interest
Despite Sullivan’s comments affirming Willis is their guy, Miami has shown interest in quarterbacks ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Regarding Miami’s approach to the quarterback position,Sullivan had previously said, “Now, depending on where we are as a football team, it’ll be at different values, but we will draft quarterbacks every year, if not every other year, because I think you have to.”
One of the options Miami may be targeting during the upcoming draft is Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Dolphins scheduled Simpson as one of their 30 visits.