Malik Willis is Miami Dolphins' new QB: 10 things to know
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The Miami Dolphins moved on from the Tua Tagovailoa era by signing quarterback Malik Willis away from the Green Bay Packers on a 3-year, $67.5 million contract.
Willis, 26, has six career starts, including three for the Packers and three for the Titans.
Willis was a third-round pick of the Titans in 2022, after a standout career at Liberty.
Here are 10 things to know about Malik Willis:
Malik Willis is a native of Georgia
Malik Willis is from College Park, Georgia, which is in the Atlanta area.
Willis played high school football at Roswell and was a 3-star prospect.
Malik Willis began his career at Auburn
Malik Willis was a backup to Jarrett Stidham, who now plays for the Broncos.
Willis transferred to Liberty in 2019 and played for Hugh Freeze.
Malik Willis had first-round hype
Malik Willis was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the third round, but after posting 74 total touchdowns as Liberty, he did generate first-round hype.
Despite his physical attributes, some scouts felt Willis would need time to develop.
Malik Willis is an incredible athlete
Willis did not run a 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine or his Pro Day.
But scouts estimated the time would have been in the range of 4.4 seconds.
Malik Willis is 6-foot-1, but...
Malik Willis is 6-foot-1, the same height as Tua Tagovailoa.
But their builds and athleticism cannot be compared. Willis is very strong and very fast. He can extend plays and he can find throwing lanes while moving out of the pocket.
At the combine, some observers compared Willis' build and play style to Jalen Hurts, Tua's former teammate.
Malik Willis aced Wonderlic test
The Wonderlic test is controversial but Malik Willis, according to NFL Network, scored a very high 32. Teams were reportedly impressed with his football IQ in meetings.
The Wonderlic is a 12-minute, 50-question exam used by employers to measure problem solving, learning capacity and aptitude. It focuses on testing speed and adaptability.
Malik Willis gave gear to a homeless person
At the 2022 NFL scouting combine, Willis was filmed giving gear to a homeless person on the street. Willis said he did not know he was being filmed and the video has been widely circulated on social media.
"I felt bad because I saw her son. It was a pregnant lady and she was homeless,” Willis told NFL Network. “And I was just like, ‘Shoot, I don’t have no money, but I can give you a couple of shirts.’”
Willis won the Bobby Bowden Trophy, given to a player who demonstrates: community service, strong faith, character and leadership.
Never forget what Malik Willis did when he didn’t know they were recording
VIDEO
pic.twitter.com/a5Fq4SBZwx— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) March 10, 2026
Malik Willis' personality and leadership style
Malik Willis has been described as soft-spoken or quiet but also confident, steady, humble and respectful.
Willis has said he holds himself and teammates accountable.
This is from his college days. But new Miami Dolphins QB Malik Willis appears to have a fairly strong arm.
VIDEO 🚀pic.twitter.com/BX8xrxzjZE— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) March 11, 2026
Malik Willis strength is rocket arm
In Green Bay, Willis worked to refine his throwing mechanics.
One thing he's always had is a big arm. Willis should have a higher air yards per attempt average than Tagovailoa did.
At the time of the draft, NFL draft expert Daniel Jeremiah said: "He’s the most physically gifted quarterback in the class.
And NFL draft expert Todd McShay said: "He has rare arm strength and athleticism.”
Malik Willis upside and ceiling not in dispute
Malik Willis' athleticism, arm strength and relative youth despite four years of NFL experience make him an intriguing signing by the Dolphins.
Many or most NFL experts praised the move as a worthwhile risk.
"This is a STEAL of a contract - I can’t wait to see what he can do there," said Kurt Benkert, former NFL quarterback.
“Malik Willis is worth it all for the Dolphins," said Chase Daniel, former NFL quarterback. "The film is so much better than you think — timing, touch and anticipation.”
“This is a really good opportunity for Malik Willis," said Dan Orlovsky, former NFL quarterback. "Malik Willis just scratching the surface of what he could be."
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Here are 10 things to know about new Dolphins QB Malik Willis
