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Malik Willis
QB · MIA

Malik Willis

Position QB
Team MIA
Bye Week 6
PPR Rank #120

Malik Willis

NFL player. Position: QB. Team: MIA.

Quick Facts

  • Position: QB
  • Team: MIA (Miami Dolphins)
  • Bye week (2026): 6
  • FantasyPros PPR rank (pulled 2026-05-21): 120

2026 Outlook

Projected starting QB for the Miami Dolphins in 2026 after signing this offseason. Late-round bet on rushing upside in a rebuilt offense under new OC Bobby Slowik. Matthew Berry's Fantasy Life (Freedman) flags him as a worthy upside dart — Willis revitalized his career as a Packers backup with 12.3 AY/A and 12-174-3 rushing across three starts in 2025. The Dolphins drafted five potential pass-catchers (WRs Chris Bell, Caleb Douglas, Kevin Coleman; TEs Will Kacmarek, Seydou Traore) to give him weapons.

Willis signed a 3-year, $67.5M deal ($45M guaranteed, essentially 2+1 with a team option) — reasonable value that lets Miami move on inexpensively if needed, and viewed as superior value to Aaron Rodgers' identical annual cost ($22-25M/year) with higher upside. External evaluators graded his signing as "B," praising his 78.7% completion rate and 6 TDs with zero interceptions across 11 Packers appearances (per Grading the biggest NFL quarterback free-agent signings of 2026). Comparatively, Willis' 134.6 passer rating and dual-threat rushing profile (6 rushing TDs, 261 rushing yards on 6+ YPC in limited Packers action) position him as the better long-term bet versus an aging Rodgers ranked 33rd in 2025 dropback success rate (per Rodgers contract vs Willis deal: value comparison). New GM Jon-Eric Sullivan intends to draft QBs annually, suggesting Willis is a bridge rather than a long-term solution. The offense is based on Kyle Shanahan's system, where Willis has prior familiarity from Green Bay; he averaged 9.2 yards per attempt there but played just 302 snaps in sheltered, run-heavy schemes. (per Actually, the Miami Dolphins' Offseason Moves Make More Sense Than You Think)

At May OTAs, Slowik praised Willis's arm talent and mobility, noting he "can spin the ball all over the field," but reinforced the offense's core philosophy remains run-first, 50-50 run-pass on first/second down. Slowik's approach prioritizes keeping the defense off-balance over pass-volume optimization, which may cap Willis's ceiling despite his rushing ability (per Dolphins OC Bobby Slowik: Malik Willis 'can spin the ball all over the field', Fantasy Football: Now that the coaching carousel has stopped spinning, here's how Matt Harmon views each new play-caller). Key note: Jaylen Waddle's trade to Denver removes Willis's primary returning receiver target, leaving him dependent on rookie pass-catcher development and De'Von Achane checkdowns.

Fantasy outlook: Willis projects as QB20+ due to weak receiving corps and run-heavy approach, but offers QB9-style upside if he grows into the system and rookies develop quickly. His rushing ability (averaging 44.8 yards per game in career starts) provides a fantasy floor, but ceiling limited by pass-volume constraints under Slowik (per Fantasy Football Impact: Broncos Trade for Jaylen Waddle).

At OTAs (May 19), Willis is focusing on scheme fundamentals and building chemistry with new teammates. Head coach Jeff Hafley (his former Packers defensive coordinator) is managing Willis's leadership expectations to let him focus on player development. Willis forms the league's fastest QB-RB duo with De'Von Achane, who was extended to stay in Miami. Connection to new WR targets (Jalen Tolbert, Caleb Douglas, Kevin Coleman) is developing but still in early stages. OC Bobby Slowik's emphasis on fundamentals and teaching (rather than complexity) matches Willis's learning style from Green Bay — Slowik has praised Willis's energy and coachability. Receiver corps is heavily rookie-based and learning the scheme together, so chemistry-building will be ongoing through training camp (per Main thing for new Dolphins QB Malik Willis at OTAs is just keeping things simple).

Jaylen Waddle's trade to Denver (May 22) removes Miami's top returning receiver target. Willis now relies on rookies (Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell, Kevin Coleman) plus off-season pickup Jalen Tolbert to develop familiarity. Slowik is focused on building depth and versatility across the board rather than relying on one star. Willis acknowledges the challenge: "It's all reps" (per New Miami Dolphins QB calls trade of Jaylen Waddle 'unfortunate').

Sports Illustrated's March 2026 "Risers and Fallers" analysis positions Willis as a clear RISER: he signed a 3-year, $67.5M deal to move from "clear backup to clear starter," and the article notes "fantasy owners are salivating over his rushing upside, which should sustain him as a viable fantasy option even if he doesn't improve as much as a passer as the Dolphins are hoping" (per 2026 Fantasy Football Risers And Fallers: Malik Willis, Alvin Kamara And Four More - Sports Illustrated).

Fantasy projection (per April analysis): Willis is 23rd QB drafted in early NFFC; expected to lead NFL in rushing yards with ~3,000 passing yards and ~13 passing TDs. "Justin Fields (2022-23) with better accuracy but weaker weapons." High ceiling tied to receiving-corps development, floor limited by weak weapons and potential one-dimensionality when chasing scores. (per Miami Dolphins 2026 Fantasy Football Preview: Sleepers, Busts & Breakout Candidates)

FantasyPros consensus identifies Willis as a league-winning late-round bet at QB20 ADP with QB9 upside. His Packers film shows a 31-for-40, 490-yard line with 2 TD passes and 2 TD rushes across two starts where he attempt at least 15 passes; in a full-season workload, some analysts see him outproducing more heralded rookies like Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. The challenge: translating abbreviated, game-managed snaps in Green Bay's run-heavy system to Miami's cleaner scheme with depleted receiving weapons. (per 15 Early Overvalued & Undervalued Players (2026 Fantasy Football))

Rushing quarterbacks like Willis who approach 100 rushing attempts almost always flirt with QB1 production. The biggest fantasy appeal is the rushing ceiling in superflex leagues or best ball formats, where Willis offers legitimate upside at modest draft cost. In standard redraft leagues, weekly volatility from Tennessee-like situations makes him tougher to rely on. (per 12 High-Upside Fantasy Football Draft Picks (2026))

Willis's rushing floor is supported by empirical data: among 32 QB seasons with 500+ rushing yards (2016-2025), the minimum fantasy points per game is 17.27, and 19 of 30 qualifying seasons produced 20+ points per game. Willis averaged 44.8 rushing yards per game in six career starts. In Packers starts with 60%+ snap share, he ran for 44 and 60 yards (2 rushing TDs combined), and in 2024 Packers starts, produced 41 and 73 yards with 1 rushing TD. Passing metrics show efficiency: tied for 4th in EPA per play (2024 Packers, 50+ plays), 1st in EPA per play in 2025 Packers action. (per 3 Late-Round Fantasy Football Sleepers to Target (2026))

A key concern for Dolphins pass catchers: Willis's historical pass volume has been suppressed by run-heavy schemes in Tennessee and Green Bay. In his career starts, Willis played in systems where the team passed just 36-37% of the time, well below league average. Even with negative game script forcing Miami to pass more, the offensive philosophy prioritizes establishing the ground game, which may limit receiving options for developing rookie wideouts. With scrambles eating an additional 13.4% of dropbacks and sacks another 12%, often a quarter of Willis's dropbacks don't turn into pass attempts at all (per Fantasy Fallout: Malik Willis Signs with the Dolphins). This creates a devastating scenario for pass catchers: even if Willis becomes an efficient passer, the volume may never support multiple fantasy-relevant receivers.

The Dolphins landed the league's second-toughest schedule per strength-of-schedule metrics. Willis will face Patrick Mahomes (KC), Drake Maye (NE), Jared Goff (DET), Caleb Williams (CHI), and Josh Allen (BUF) at home. HC Hafley has managed expectations, emphasizing the need to build foundation and culture first before playoff expectations. (per Miami Dolphins drop 2026 schedule. See Malik Willis at Hard Rock Stadium)

At OTAs (May 12-13), the coaching staff is aligned on Willis's potential in the mobile QB wave. OC Bobby Slowik praised Willis's talent and arm ("can spin the ball all over the field"), but emphasized getting to know him personally—"he's fun to coach" and energetic. Passing game coordinator Kevin Patullo (formerly Eagles OC with Jalen Hurts) sees Willis fitting the league trend of mobile QBs succeeding, noting "when guys are playing like that, you don't want to take that away." Slowik is cautious about overusing the run game but sees read-option threat with De'Von Achane forcing defenses into "11 on 11" rather than play calling on 10. QB coach Bush Hamdan highlighted Willis's work ethic (first in, last out) and leadership—"he's got this natural knack of knowing exactly who he is and his ability to bring people together." (per Dynamic, Athletic QB Malik Willis Excites Dolphins Offensive Coaches)

At Phase 3 OTAs (May 22-23), Hafley made clear the coaching staff isn't asking Willis to be a vocal leader yet—they want him focused on learning Bobby Slowik's scheme, building chemistry with teammates, and becoming the best player he can be. This managed approach reduces some pressure on Willis early, though it also signals the team is being cautious about his development. Willis acknowledged leadership "needs to be earned" over time through on-field execution, not forced. Slowik described Willis as having an "infectious personality" and being "fun to coach," reinforcing a learning-first approach focused on fundamentals rather than scheme complexity. Willis even paid for his offensive line's expensive dinner, showing the personal touch he's bringing to team chemistry (per Dolphins want Malik Willis focused on offense, not leadership, for now).

At June minicamp, there's "zero question" Willis is the Week 1 starter over backup Quinn Ewers. While Ewers performed well and was familiar with the offense from his rookie season, the arm talent and athleticism gap between the two was clear. Willis significantly outperformed Ewers in zip, arm strength, and mobility assessments (per Ten Things We Learned During Dolphins Minicamp - Sports Illustrated).

The Willis/Achane pairing creates the conceptual centerpiece of Slowik's offense. Slowik's key framework: "the threat of it makes it 11 versus 11, as opposed to 11 on 10," meaning linebackers must account for Willis on the keep, not just the give. Off-schedule plays (scrambles, broken coverage) are where Willis's mobility shows most value—not designed QB runs, which remain rare in modern NFL offenses. Slowik emphasizes 50-50 run-pass balance and core tenets (keep defense off balance) regardless of QB talent. The offense's upside is tied to Willis's ability to survive pressure and force second reactions from the defense when plays break down. (per Bobby Slowik's statement make the Dolphins' new offense easy to picture and Dolphins OC Bobby Slowik: Malik Willis 'can spin the ball all over the field')

Willis's performance directly impacts the fantasy outlook of Miami's 2026 rookie receivers. His play in previous stops (strong in Green Bay, mixed in Tennessee) will determine whether early-career targets go to first-round picks Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell or elsewhere (per Two Dolphins rookies earning some respect from fantasy football expert - Yahoo Sports).

From a career perspective, Willis's deal is strategically smart for Miami but comes with real personal risk: the Dolphins are explicitly building around a future QB (via annual draft strategy) while asking Willis to prove it with one of the NFL's weakest offensive rosters. Post-Waddle trade, top receiving options are Malik Washington, Jalen Tolbert, and TuTu Atwell—a far cry from the elite weapons Willis faced in Green Bay. Offensive line concerns (24th in pass block win rate in 2025) add pressure on Willis to escape upfield rather than sit in pocket, which fits his skill set but increases injury risk. Contract structure ($67.5M, movable after year 2 with $7M dead cap) signals Miami won't hesitate to move on if Willis struggles, making 2026 a true prove-it season rather than a patient developmental arc. (per Malik Willis Is a Smart, Though Hopefully Short-Term, Signing for the Dolphins and Malik Willis Could Be Stuck With the Worst Roster in the NFL)

Despite signing Willis to a $67.5M deal, Orlovsky urged Miami to still consider drafting Ty Simpson as a developmental QB. Both have different skill sets—Willis more mobile and erratic under pressure, Simpson a pocket passer—that could mesh with new coach Jeff Hafley's scheme. If drafted, Simpson would serve as backup mentee behind Willis, learning Hafley's (Packers) system. This suggests even Dolphins brass expects Willis as a bridge solution rather than long-term starter, supporting the "draft QBs annually" philosophy of GM Jon-Eric Sullivan. (per Dolphins' Tua replacement plan not done yet as Miami urged to draft top QB despite Malik Willis trade)

QB competition with backup Quinn Ewers is minimal — Willis's $45M guarantee and coaching staff's commitment make him the clear Week 1 starter. Per Sports Illustrated's mailbag (May 31), the Dolphins are expecting Willis to succeed; it would take "dramatic circumstances" like Ewers lighting it up and Willis stinking up the joint for a change. (per Dolphins Sunday mailbag: What Could Lead to Ewers Starting?)

Early receiver development focus: Willis is building immediate chemistry with TE Greg Dulcich, a fellow 2020 draft classmate who previously connected with Willis at the Senior Bowl. Dulcich finished 2025 strong with the Dolphins (26 catches, 335 yards in the final nine games) and has been re-signed as a breakout candidate. Their pre-existing rapport at the Senior Bowl—where Dulcich praised Willis's arm talent and football IQ—suggests quick on-field coordination heading into training camp (per Former walk-on Greg Dulcich could be top target for Malik Willis in Dolphins reclamation project).

Role / Depth Chart

Presumed Week 1 starter. The skill group around him is sparse — Tyreek Hill released, Jaylen Waddle traded to Denver — leaving De'Von Achane as the main returning weapon plus the rookie pass-catcher class.

Injury Status

Healthy.

Recent News

Open Questions

  • How does Slowik adapt his Shanahan-tree route concepts to Willis's run-first skill set?

Sources

  • Freedman's Favorites 10 players to target for 2026 fantasy football
  • Dolphins reboot with Hafley HC, Slowik OC, Duggan DC for 2026 draft

Coaches shaping Malik's role

Jeff HafleyHead CoachBobby SlowikOffensive CoordinatorKevin PatulloPassing Game CoordinatorRyan DownardDefensive Backs / Passing Game CoordinatorBush HamdanQuarterbacksMatt ApplebaumAssistant Offensive LineZach YenserOffensive Line

What the Experts Are Saying

Establish The RunWay Too Early 2026 Fantasy Football Mock Draft
Fantasy Points Fantasy FootballTop 10 Bold Fantasy Football Predictions (2026) with Jared Smola
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