The Miami Dolphins have become a notable candidate for a Malik Willis quarterback trade following the recent addition of general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley, both of whom have prior experience with Willis during their tenure with the Green Bay Packers. This connection, combined with Miami’s need to reassess its roster after a disappointing 2025 season, places the Dolphins at the forefront of teams considering a move for the dynamic young quarterback.
Alongside Miami, the Arizona Cardinals are also regarded as strong contenders, largely due to their head coach Mike LaFleur’s relationship with his brother Matt LaFleur, who currently coaches Willis in Green Bay. This personal link offers Arizona unique insight into Willis’s capabilities and could motivate the team to explore trade possibilities if roster and financial conditions align.
Willis’s Development and Appeal to NFL Teams
Last season, Malik Willis made a strong impression by stepping in for an injured Jordan Love, showing remarkable efficiency by completing over 85% of his passes and accounting for five touchdowns both in the air and on the ground. His evolution into a versatile dual-threat quarterback has drawn interest from several franchises eager to inject creativity and athleticism into their offenses.
However, the financial realities for both Miami and Arizona present significant hurdles. Each team currently carries sizeable guaranteed contracts for their starting quarterbacks, Tua Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray respectively. These existing commitments will need to be addressed before either team can seriously pursue Willis.
Other Teams and League Context Influencing Trade Prospects
While the Cleveland Browns were once viewed as a potential dark horse in the Willis trade conversation, their decision to hire offensive coordinator Todd Monken suggests a focus on developing their current quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, diminishing their likelihood to pursue a trade.
Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers maintain a stable organizational structure, having secured contract extensions for key figures including Matt LaFleur, general manager Brian Gutekunst, and executive Russ Ball. This stability underlines the Packers’ commitment to long-term success and elite player development strategies, making Willis’s potential departure a significant moment for the franchise.
Outlook for Malik Willis and Upcoming Offseason Implications
As the 2026 NFL offseason approaches, Malik Willis’s future is poised to be one of the most closely watched storylines. Whether he ends up with the Dolphins, benefiting from the shared history with Sullivan and Hafley, or joins the Cardinals due to the LaFleur family connection, teams and fans alike will observe how the complex financial and roster challenges influence the quarterback market.
