Dolphins get lackluster Malik Willis free agent update amid $99 million problem
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Dolphins get lackluster Malik Willis free agent update amid $99 million problem originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The NFL offseason is underway, and the Miami Dolphins have already been involved in a few big moves. Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb were both released, adding two top free agents to the open market.
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Tua Tagovailoa might join them shortly as well. But with the expected departure of Tagovailoa, the Dolphins will need to find a new quarterback. Free agent Malik Willis from the Green Bay Packers makes too much sense as a fit.
But, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano, the Dolphins got a very lackluster update on their odds to bring in Willis this offseason, thanks to a $99.2 million problem from Tagovailoa.
Dolphins get bad news on Malik Willis amid $99M problem
"Miami could make a contract offer to free agent QB Malik Willis," Graziano writes, "But that Tagovailoa dead money could also necessitate the team spending little on the position for 2026."
With the expectation that the Dolphins will release Tagovailoa this offseason after not finding a trade offer, the money situation will be tough.
Tagovailoa will count as a massive $99.2 million dead cap charge for the Dolphins. While they can designate him as a post-June 1 cut, spreading the damage out over two years, it's still a huge amount to be saddled with this season.
This issue for the Dolphins will mean that, in their search for more quarterback options, they will have to pursue some cheaper targets in free agency or the NFL Draft.
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Cutting Tagovailoa, which is the most likely scenario coming out of the NFL Combine, would mean the Dolphins cannot afford Willis in free agency.
While they could try to bring him in, with his expected value around $30 million per-year, the Dolphins would essentially be spending over $80 million on the quarterback room in 2026.
Going cheaper and fully committing to a reset year might be the best path forward for the Dolphins. That's what this report from Graziano indicates, but it does mean bad news for Dolphins fans hoping to see Willis come to Miami.
More Dolphins news:
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- ESPN analyst thinks Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa decision has already been made
- NFL insider reveals trade update on Dolphins' $73 million safety
- Dolphins' Jaylen Waddle responds to trade rumors after Tyreek Hill release
- Tyreek Hill shares emotional message after Dolphins release, 'The Cheetah will be back'
- When can Tyreek Hill sign with a new team? Explaining timeline for ex-Dolphins WR