Dolphins Could Draft Top QB In 2027

Willis, 27, is currently working to take on Miami’s starting job for 2026. If he succeeds in opening the season as Miami’s QB1, it will be his first time doing so at the NFL level. Originally a Titans third-round pick in 2022, Willis was expected to need some development as he made the transition from Liberty to the NFL. Unfortunately, some Ryan Tannehill absences forced him into three starts as a rookie, and he struggled in early action. When, in Year 2, rookie second-rounder Will Levis was the first arm off the bench, it became clear Willis’s time in Tennessee had come to an end.

Just before his third season, the Titans traded Willis to Green Bay to serve as Jordan Love‘s backup. The change of scenery clearly did him good. A Love injury forced Willis into two early starts for the Packers, and the third-year passer delivered safe, efficient play en route to two wins. He finished 2024 having completed 40 of 54 pass attempts for 550 yards, four total touchdowns, and no interceptions. Last year, he didn’t see quite as much of the field, but with one start and one significant relief outing he completed 30 of 35 passes for 422 yards, five more total touchdowns, and still zero interceptions on the year.

So when the Dolphins hired Packers executive Jon-Eric Sullivan and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley as their new general manager and head coach, respectively, it was no surprise that Willis followed them to Miami. That, along with $45MM in guaranteed money for a passer with just six career starts, is indicative of the team’s confidence in their new quarterback. But the team isn’t handing Willis anything. He still must continue working this offseason to officially beat out Quinn Ewers for the starting job.

While Willis is favored to top Ewers, the former Longhorn isn’t his only competition as the 2027 draft class is expected to be ripe with strong quarterback prospects. The Dolphins hope Willis can make his contract look like a huge bargain, that he will reward their faith in him and emerge as Miami’s next franchise passer. Willis’s fate will likely be tied to his ability to help the Dolphins win games in 2026. If he fails to do so, it will put Miami in position to select a top quarterback prospect and potentially cost Willis his job.

Ely Allen contributed to this post.