Quarterback-needy teams will have to look elsewhere for relief. The top free agent is no longer available after landing a multi-year deal.
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Malik Willis will leave the Green Bay Packers and head south. He will sign with the Miami Dolphins after agreeing to a three-year, $67.4 million deal with $45 million guaranteed. This deal can not become official until Wednesday when the new league year begins.
This move follows a big transaction by the Dolphins. The AFC East team released former first-round pick Tua Tagovailoa. This opened up an opportunity for a new quarterback to enter the fold, but it also saddled the Dolphins with $99.2 million in dead cap.
Willis entered the NFL as a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He started his career with the Tennessee Titans and appeared in 11 games, starting three. He went 1-2 as a starter and he threw for 350 total yards with three touchdowns over two seasons.
Willis landed with the Packers via trade ahead of the 2024 season. He took over as Jordan Love's backup, and he appeared in 11 games over two seasons. He started three games and went 2-1.
He became a top free agent prospect while throwing for 972 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also rushed for 261 yards and three touchdowns. Willis may not have been polished, but he showed promise.
Heading toward the start of free agency, it appeared that Willis would be the top player on the market. Several teams needed quarterbacks, including the Falcons, Dolphins, Vikings, Cardinals, and Steelers. Ultimately, the Dolphins won before free agency even began.
Willis will see some familiar faces as he joins the Dolphins. Former Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is now the head coach in Miami.
General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan spent his entire NFL career with the Packers. He started as an intern before moving up the ranks as a scout, director of college scouting, co-director of player personnel, and VP of player personnel.
