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One of the NFL’s most coveted free agents this offseason was current Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis. That distinction, however, had as much to do with a thin free-agent quarterback market as it did with Willis himself. Even so, he remained one of the top available players.
So far, though, the Dolphins have not seen encouraging returns on their investment. While it remains very early in the team’s development process, the chatter coming out of South Florida has raised concerns. Reports indicate Willis still has significant work to do before training camp begins. With limited time remaining before camp opens, that is not the kind of update Dolphins fans hoped to hear.
MORE: Detroit Lions update on star defender not looking great for 2026
“[Willis’] offseason work makes it clear Miami needs to find a way to improve his processing speed, making him operate a half a second faster reading defenses,” Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald reported.
Jun 2, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis (2) talks with passing game coordinator Kevin Patullo during mini camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Isabella Frias-Imagn Images
“Willis also needs to spend the next month developing better chemistry with his weaponry. If not we can expect Miami’s passing game to get off to a slow start.”
Head coach Jeff Hafley previously described the offense as a “work in process.” This latest assessment only adds to the growing skepticism surrounding Miami’s outlook. Expectations were already modest for the Dolphins entering the season, but the challenges ahead may be greater than many anticipated.
MORE: Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM address Baker Mayfield’s future
Miami spent much of the offseason reshaping its roster. The Dolphins traded away Jaylen Waddle and released Tyreek Hill before moving on from big-contract disappointment Tua Tagovailoa. They replaced him by signing Willis to a three-year deal. The decision drew mixed reactions, although Hafley had previously worked closely with Willis during their time together in Green Bay.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) scrambles against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Ravens won the game, 41-24. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
There is still plenty of football left to be played between now and September. Chances are the Dolphins’ offense will look far better than current reports suggest. Willis has long been regarded as a natural leader and a player teammates gravitate toward, dating back to his days at Liberty.
Building chemistry and timing with an entirely new receiving corps will take time and effort. Ultimately, it will be up to Willis and his receivers to put in that work. If they do, could the Dolphins become one of the NFL’s surprise teams in 2026?
Continue reading...
So far, though, the Dolphins have not seen encouraging returns on their investment. While it remains very early in the team’s development process, the chatter coming out of South Florida has raised concerns. Reports indicate Willis still has significant work to do before training camp begins. With limited time remaining before camp opens, that is not the kind of update Dolphins fans hoped to hear.
MORE: Detroit Lions update on star defender not looking great for 2026
“[Willis’] offseason work makes it clear Miami needs to find a way to improve his processing speed, making him operate a half a second faster reading defenses,” Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald reported.
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Jun 2, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis (2) talks with passing game coordinator Kevin Patullo during mini camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Isabella Frias-Imagn Images
“Willis also needs to spend the next month developing better chemistry with his weaponry. If not we can expect Miami’s passing game to get off to a slow start.”
Head coach Jeff Hafley previously described the offense as a “work in process.” This latest assessment only adds to the growing skepticism surrounding Miami’s outlook. Expectations were already modest for the Dolphins entering the season, but the challenges ahead may be greater than many anticipated.
MORE: Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM address Baker Mayfield’s future
Miami spent much of the offseason reshaping its roster. The Dolphins traded away Jaylen Waddle and released Tyreek Hill before moving on from big-contract disappointment Tua Tagovailoa. They replaced him by signing Willis to a three-year deal. The decision drew mixed reactions, although Hafley had previously worked closely with Willis during their time together in Green Bay.
You must be registered for see images attach
Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) scrambles against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Ravens won the game, 41-24. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
There is still plenty of football left to be played between now and September. Chances are the Dolphins’ offense will look far better than current reports suggest. Willis has long been regarded as a natural leader and a player teammates gravitate toward, dating back to his days at Liberty.
Building chemistry and timing with an entirely new receiving corps will take time and effort. Ultimately, it will be up to Willis and his receivers to put in that work. If they do, could the Dolphins become one of the NFL’s surprise teams in 2026?
Continue reading...
