MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins are entering a new era at quarterback.
The team introduced Malik Willis on Thursday after signing the free agent to a three-year contract, a move that comes after the Dolphins released longtime starter Tua Tagovailoa earlier this week.
Willis, 26, who spent the past several seasons developing as a backup and spot starter, said his familiarity with new Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan played a major role in his decision to come to Miami.
“There’s a lot of great reasons to be here,” Willis said. “Those two guys are the biggest ones, in my opinion, as far as what I see this organization and this team becoming. I can’t see the future, but all I know is they’re going to put in the work each and every day just as well as I will try to do the same.”
While the expectation is that Willis will compete for — and potentially win — the starting job, the quarterback said he is focused on continuing to grow after several years learning different systems around the league.
“I don’t think I put a timeline on it,” Willis said when asked how long he had waited for an opportunity to lead a team. “I think it happened when I was prepared. I think when I came into the league, I wasn’t prepared, and that’s not a knock toward my coaches or myself; that’s just what it was coming from the system I came from, and I’ve had a chance to learn the last four years since I’ve been in the league. I went through four different offenses and seen a bunch of different defenses, and I just think I’ve grown a lot and I’m grateful for the opportunity once again.”
Willis said the recruiting process largely went through his agent, with both sides identifying Miami as a potential fit.
“I mean, we’re here now, so that’s what’s important,” Willis said. “Me and my agent talked about places that may need a quarterback or may be a good fit situation wise. It all played out that we end up being here and that’s all that matters.”
The quarterback also praised Hafley and Sullivan for the way they approach their jobs and interact with players.
“Just how they go to work each and every day and the way they treat people,” Willis said. “I think that’s more important than anything when you come to a business that relies around people.”
Willis will join an offense that includes playmakers such as running back De’Von Achane and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.
“I think it’s awesome,” Willis said. “I think they both might be faster than me and that’s a good thing.”
After years of waiting for a chance to lead a team, Willis said he is trying to stay focused on preparation rather than expectations.
“You’ve got to trust in God’s plan for your life,” he said. “He wakes you up and gives you the opportunity to get better, I think that’s all you should ask for. When the opportunity arises, that’s when you’ll be able to take advantage of it but until then, you’ve got to keep working.”
Willis added that leadership is something that must be earned over time as he begins working with his new teammates this offseason.
“I feel like leadership, we should all be leading each other,” he said. “Obviously to earn the position of leadership, that’s what you’ve got to do. You’ve got to earn it.”
In 2025, Willis appeared in four games with Green Bay and completed just over 85% of his passes for 422 yards and three touchdowns. He also recorded 123 yards rushing on 22 carries and two touchdowns.
Willis was a former first round pick for the Tennessee Titans in the 2022 NFL Draft before being traded to Green Bay for a seventh-round pick.
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