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Green Bay Packers: PFF’s 'best landing spot' for Malik Willis in 2026 comes as no surprise

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Feb 1, 2026 1:47 PM ET

The Green Bay Packers are still working on finalizing their coaching staff for the 2026 NFL season. After that is done, they will turn their attention to the roster. Indeed, there are several holes that are going to need to be filled, whether in free agency, via the draft, or by others on the roster stepping up into larger roles.

One of these is the backup quarterback job behind starter Jordan Love. For the last two seasons, Malik Willis has served admirably in the role and has set himself up for a massive payday in free agency. There are many who believe he could even get a contract similar to that which Justin Fields got from the New York Jets last year, which would pay him $20 million a year.

PFF predicts Malik Willis will leave the Green Bay Packers 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

Obviously, if Willis is going to get $20 million a year, he is going to be signed by a team that will give him an opportunity to be their starting quarterback. And even though the Miami Dolphins are paying Tua Tagovailoa $55 million in 2026, many, including PFF, believe Willis will get his big deal from them:

“With Jeff Hafley hired to be the next head coach of the Miami Dolphins, the former Packers defensive coordinator would likely look for a player he’s familiar with to fill the Dolphins’ expected vacancy at quarterback.

“AlthoughMalik Willisdoesn’t possess a significant sample as a starter, he’s shown promise over his two seasons asJordan Love’s backup in Green Bay. Willis has tossed five big-time throws to just one turnover-worthy play over the last two seasons, exhibiting strong accuracy marks while ranking as the only quarterback with at least 75 attempts to chart under 10% of his throws as uncatchable and inaccurate.”

As one can see, PFF believes that Willis could go to the Dolphins because Jeff Hafley, Green Bay’s former defensive coordinator, was hired as head coach. A further argument could be made that Jon Eric-Sullivan, a former Packers executives, is Miami’s general manager.

That being said, it is hard to fathom Eric-Sullivan being an executive that is willing to pay $75 million to his quarterbacks in any given year.

The Dolphins could trade Tagovailoa, sure, but the fact remains he has a $99 million dead cap hit this season. It would be far more prudent to release him in 2027 when they can save $22 million be cutting ties with him.

Still, if Hafley believes Willis gives Miami the best chance to win games, it is certainly possible they take that hit in 2026.

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

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