The Miami Dolphins made a notable move in free agency by signing former Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis to bolster their depth chart. The addition has drawn attention from ESPN, who see potential value in the former backup.
Willis arrives in Miami with a reputation for athleticism and raw talent, traits that have intrigued evaluators since his entry into the league. While his experience as a starter remains limited, his physical tools offer upside that teams continue to find appealing.
The Dolphins’ decision to bring in Willis reflects a willingness to invest in developmental talent at the quarterback position. His mobility and playmaking ability provide an alternative dynamic that could complement the team’s offensive structure.
From an evaluation standpoint, the signing has been viewed as a calculated move with manageable risk and potential reward. The contract allows Miami to explore Willis’ capabilities while maintaining flexibility within its roster planning.
ESPN Grades Miami Dolphins’ Signing of Former Green Bay Packers QB Malik Willis With an A
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Miami received a grade of A for signing Malik Willis during the offseason. This is detailed more in an analysis by Seth Walder for ESPN.
It is very hard to find a franchise quarterback in free agency, and I’m not saying that’s what Willis is, or even likely to be. But if it were to happen, it’d be a lot like this: a quarterback with draft status who took time to develop, then showed enough flashes in a sample that was small enough to get him to free agency. There’s a real chance here. And the Willis signing doesn’t even cost that much.
At $22.5 million per year, the contract is a bargain considering what Willis could become. But even more than for most deals, the most important part of this contract is the $45 million that’s fully guaranteed at signing. Because if Willis fails, that’s how much Miami will have to pay. And if he succeeds, they’ll end up needing to sign him to a new contract right away anyway.
Even with that guarantee, this is an incredible result relative to the alternatives. There is only one Fernando Mendoza in the draft, and the Dolphins are not going to get him. Instead of trotting out a veteran bridge quarterback, it makes sense to play for the upside. And Willis has tons of it.
Willis spent time refining his game in a backup role for the Packers, gaining exposure to professional systems and adjusting to the speed of the NFL. That experience could prove valuable as he looks to take the next step in his development with a new organization.
As the Dolphins prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will be on how Willis progresses within the system. If his potential translates into consistent performance, the move could stand out as a smart addition that strengthens the team’s quarterback depth.
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