Update shares how Dolphins view Malik Willis after worrisome report

A report from earlier in June suggested that Miami Dolphins backup quarterback and 2025 seventh-round draft pick Quinn Ewers "outperformed" free-agency signing and presumed starter Malik Willis during some springtime practices open to media members. 

First-year Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley later seemed to pour cold water over such takes. For a piece published on Friday, Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN touched upon how Willis is viewed by people within the Dolphins in the early days of the NFL's summer break. 

Malik Willis still needs to build chemistry with new teammates

According to Louis-Jacques, the Dolphins are "still waiting on [Willis'] chemistry with his wide receivers to blossom." 

"Willis signed with Miami as a free agent this offseason," Louis-Jacques explained, "and other than some limited crossover with center Aaron Brewer when both players played for the Tennessee Titans, he's acclimating to a completely new group of teammates while he prepares to stake his claim as the Dolphins' next franchise quarterback. Coaches and players both admit the relationships between Willis and his pass catchers is still growing. But first-year coach Jeff Hafley isn't concerned — this time of the year is all about building chemistry."

It's worth mentioning that Willis doesn't have experience serving as a full-time first-choice QB1 for an NFL franchise. Thus far, the 2022 third-round draft pick has made just six career regular-season starts at the highest level. 

Such a lack of playing time is one reason ESPN's Ben Solak and others believe that the Dolphins could target controversial former Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Brendan Sorsby during the upcoming supplemental draft. Miami theoretically could stash Sorsby on the roster as Willis plays this coming fall. 

How Malik Willis is trying to better his working relationships with Miami players

"Willis is also doing his part to advance his relationships with his teammates," Louis-Jacques added, "including hosting dinners and get-togethers away from the facility." 

Of course, such gatherings likely won't matter if those who feel Miami is responsible for a unit that is "not a starting NFL offense" are proven right later this year. Then again, one wonders if Ewers will receive a chance during training camp to create a legitimate competition for the Dolphins' Week 1 starting job.