Miami Dolphins sign Malik Willis in $67.5m deal after Tagovailoa release
The Miami Dolphins have signed quarterback Malik Willis to a three-year contract worth $67.5m (£53m) just hours after officially releasing Tua Tagovailoa.
The lucrative agreement effectively crowns the former Green Bay Packers signal-caller as the franchise’s new starting quarterback for the upcoming season.
It marks a swift reunion for the 25-year-old, who joins first-year general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley in Florida.
Both executives spent the past two seasons working closely with the athletic playmaker during their respective tenures in Wisconsin.
Replacing an established veteran
Miami’s need for a new field general became an immediate priority on Monday morning.
The AFC East franchise officially announced the departure of Tagovailoa, ending a notable and at times turbulent era in South Florida.
Sullivan had previously insisted on adding serious competition to the quarterback room ahead of the new campaign.
By striking early on the first day of the league’s negotiating period, the front office has removed any remaining guesswork from their offseason strategy.
High ceiling and dual-threat ability
The Dolphins hierarchy secured a player capable of stressing opposition defences with both his arm and his legs.
This dual-threat capability is a distinct trait that the Miami offence noticeably lacked during the previous regime.
Originally selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the 2022 draft, the mobile quarterback initially struggled as a developmental project.
However, his career trajectory changed dramatically upon joining the Packers in 2024.
Flawless short-term audition
Stepping in for three crucial starts during his time in Green Bay, the revitalised passer threw for 612 yards and three touchdowns.
He maintained a spotless turnover record during that impressive stretch without throwing a single interception.
The dynamic runner also contributed significantly on the ground, adding a further 174 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Hafley previously praised his new quarterback’s adaptability when operating as a scout-team player against the starting defence in Green Bay.
“Obviously him and I have a really good relationship, and he always did a really good job and gave us everything that we needed,” Hafley said.
