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Malik Willis

QB MIA Bye 6 · PPR rank 120

Malik Willis

NFL player. Position: QB. Team: MIA.

Quick Facts

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. 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 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']]).

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)]])

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), 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]])

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

Sources