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Green Bay Packers: latest Malik Willis free agency prediction will come as no surprise

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Feb 18, 2026 12:42 PM ET

Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis is an impending free agent. Prior to being acquired by the Packers for a seventh round pick right before the 2024 NFL season, Willis had a 53.0% completion percentage, 350 passing yards, no touchdowns, three interceptions, and a 49.4 passer rating in 11 games (three starts) for the Tennessee Titans.

But after arriving in Green Bay, Willis appeared in 11 more games (three starts) and had a 78.7% completion percentage, 972 passing yards, six touchdowns, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 134.6.

Needless to say, he is going to be one of the more coveted quarterbacks on the free agent market, and any number of NFL teams could give him the opportunity to start in 2026.

ESPN says Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis is the best fit for the Miami Dolphins

Green Bay Packers quarterback named in Bengals trade rumors after Joe Burrow injury 2 Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) against the New Orleans Saints on Monday, December 23, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Saints 34-0.Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

In their rankings of the top 50 NFL free agents this off-season, ESPN ranked Willis #17. What is more, they think that joining former Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley on the Miami Dolphins would be a good fit for both parties:

“With new leadership in Miami, the club could move on from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. New coach Jeff Hafley and new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan know Willis well from their shared time in Green Bay, and Willis could slot in as the new starter under coordinator Bobby Slowik.

“Let’s envision a scheme built around motion/movement, with play-action elements woven in; that would set up Willis well as a thrower, and the QB run game would generate conflict for opposing defenses. Willis’ development in Green Bay creates upside for the Dolphins.”

The connection between Willis and Miami is obvious, with both Hafley, the head coach, and Jon Eric-Sullivan, the general manager, both having come from Green Bay.

The real question, though, is whether or not the Dolphins will be able to move off of Tua Tagovailoa’s contract. If they were going to do so this off-season, they would have to find a team to trade him and take on his $50+ million a year contract. Releasing him now would result in a $99 million dead cap hit.

However, releasing Tagovailoa after the 2026 NFL season would save Miami $22 million in cap space.

This all being said, it does not appear likely that the Dolphins would be able to give Willis the chance to start, which is what he will want when he picks his next team. Of course, it is possible that they trade Tagovailoa, but until they do, Willis does not make much sense for them.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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