Why Malik Willis Is a Smart Signing for the Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins made an intriguing move by signing quarterback Malik Willis, a player whose career has taken a surprising turn over the past two seasons. While some may view Willis as a developmental quarterback, his recent performance suggests the Dolphins may have found a player ready to take a major step forward.

After struggling early in his career with the Tennessee Titans, Willis revived his trajectory with the Green Bay Packers. The numbers from his time in Green Bay reveal a quarterback who has grown significantly as both a passer and a decision-maker. That growth makes this signing a compelling move for Miami as the franchise looks to strengthen its quarterback depth while also adding long-term potential.

Willis Found His Rhythm in Green Bay

Willis entered the NFL as a third-round selection by Tennessee in the 2022 NFL Draft. His first two seasons were difficult as he struggled to adjust to the speed and complexity of the professional game. During that time, the Titans primarily used him in limited roles, and the consistency needed for development was difficult to establish.

Everything changed when the Packers acquired Willis for a seventh-round pick near the end of training camp in 2024. The move allowed him to develop in a more stable offensive system while working with coaches who emphasized improving his mechanics and decision-making.

The results were remarkable. During the 2025 season, Willis completed 30 of 35 pass attempts, producing an impressive completion percentage of 85.7 percent. Only five passes fell incomplete, and two of those were dropped by receivers. His performance resulted in an outstanding passer rating of 145.5.

Just as importantly, his style of play evolved. In 2024, shortly after arriving in Green Bay, Willis relied heavily on his athleticism and running ability while learning the offense. By 2025, he had become a more complete quarterback who attacked defenses downfield while still using his mobility to extend plays.

Willis demonstrated the ability to create explosive plays with both his arm and his legs while avoiding costly mistakes, a combination that makes him an intriguing fit in modern NFL offenses.

Why the Dolphins Benefit from This Signing

For Miami, signing Willis represents a calculated investment in upside. The Dolphins add a quarterback who has already demonstrated dramatic improvement and who still has room to grow.

His skill set aligns well with what many offenses want from the quarterback position today. Willis brings mobility, playmaking ability, and arm strength to stretch the field vertically. Those traits allow an offense to remain unpredictable and place constant stress on opposing defenses.

The Dolphins also benefit from acquiring a player who has shown he can learn quickly when placed in the right environment. His transformation in Green Bay highlights how coaching, stability, and opportunity can unlock a quarterback’s potential.

If Willis continues the upward trajectory he displayed with the Packers, Miami could find itself with one of the more intriguing quarterback options in the league. Even if he initially serves as depth, his ability to step into a game and generate explosive plays gives the Dolphins valuable flexibility.

Ultimately, this signing is about opportunity. Willis has already proven he can overcome early struggles and develop into a more complete quarterback. Now, with a new chapter beginning in Miami, the Dolphins are betting that his best football is still ahead.