As the NFL offseason unfolds, Malik Willis has become a highly coveted quarterback prospect with the Arizona Cardinals emerging as the primary challenger in his pursuit. Adding complexity to the situation, Miami Dolphins‘ new head coach Jeff Hafley seeks to bolster his roster but faces stiff competition while attempting to secure Willis. The presence of Jon Eric-Sullivan, now Miami‘s GM and former Green Bay Packers executive, made the Dolphins a seemingly natural landing spot for Willis, yet recent developments point toward Arizona gaining an edge.
LaFleur Brothers’ Influence and Arizona’s Urgent Playoff Ambitions
Willis’s successful stint under Matt LaFleur’s offense with the Packers makes continuity in a similar system attractive. Mike LaFleur, Matt’s brother, currently leads the Cardinals as head coach, which could offer Willis a familiar playbook and strategic approach, both having ties to Sean McVay’s system with the Los Angeles Rams. This connection provides a strong football rationale for Willis leaning toward Arizona.
The Cardinals also face increased pressure to contend in the upcoming season, as their general manager Monti Ossenfort approaches the end of his contract year. Unlike Miami—where veterans like Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb have been released, marking the start of a rebuild—Arizona needs immediate results. Ossenfort’s willingness to invest heavily in a player of Willis’s caliber could define his tenure.
Monti Ossenfort’s High-Stakes Strategy with Malik Willis
The NFL Daily Podcast’s Gregg Rosenthal emphasized the urgency for Arizona’s front office to pursue Willis, stating,
“Monti Ossenfort can’t have that much time left in Arizona. Betting it all on Malik Willis is the way to go.”
—Gregg Rosenthal, NFL Daily Podcast
Ossenfort’s commitment to Willis could be a calculated gamble; even if the contract proves costly and the team falls short, the bold move demonstrates his intent to secure a franchise quarterback and stave off job insecurity. The financial responsibility of the deal would transfer to his successor, but at least he would have taken decisive action toward a playoff push.
Competition from Miami with Jimmy Garoppolo’s Potential Signing
Miami’s quarterback landscape remains uncertain, possibly complicating Hafley’s aspirations to acquire Willis. According to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, the Dolphins are also considering veteran Jimmy Garoppolo, whose expected salary might be more compatible with the team’s cap space compared to Willis’s demands. Garoppolo’s experience presents him as a reliable bridge quarterback, allowing Miami to defer a full quarterback rebuild until the 2027 draft class arrives.
Such a role contrasts sharply with what Willis requires—a team environment where he can develop without immediate high-stakes pressure. Arizona offers this environment, with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett crafting a playbook suitable for a dual-threat quarterback. Jacoby Brissett’s strong 2025 season in Arizona further illustrates the team’s potential to support quarterback success.
Willis’s Most Favorable Landing Spot for Immediate Growth
The Cardinals appear to furnish the best combination of scheme familiarity, team talent, and organizational urgency that aligns with Malik Willis’s career trajectory. Arizona’s roster includes offensive weapons and a coaching staff capable of maximizing his strengths, making it an ideal setting for his continued development and potential breakout.
Conversely, Miami, despite the presence of familiar faces like Jeff Hafley and Jon Eric-Sullivan, is in the early stages of roster transformation and may lack the immediate competitive infrastructure that Willis needs. The unfolding quarterback search in Miami featuring Garoppolo signals a more cautious approach, favoring short-term stability over bold investment in a younger quarterback.
Monti Ossenfort can’t have that much time left in Arizona. Betting it all on Malik Willis is the way to go
— Gregg Rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) February 19, 2026
Next big Dolphins offseason question centers at QB.
A look at trade Tua Tagovailoa scenario (if they add sweeteners – money or a pick) and who could be the next starting QB?
For @nflnetwork The Insiders: pic.twitter.com/Cmhydjn5G8
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) February 18, 2026
