Report: Dolphins signing QB Malik Willis after cutting Tua Tagovailoa

The Miami Dolphins appear to have found their new quarterback. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Miami is signing quarterback Malik Willis to a sizable contract shortly after deciding to move on from former starter Tua Tagovailoa.

“Sources: The #Dolphins are signing #Packers QB Malik Willis, as a new QB has landed in Miami,” Rapoport reported. “He gets a 3-year, $67.5M deal with a $45M fully guaranteed contract.”

Willis joins Miami after spending the past season with the Green Bay Packers, where he served primarily as the backup to Jordan Love. Injuries to Love gave Willis opportunities to see the field, and he made the most of them.

In 11 total appearances with Green Bay, including three starts, Willis posted strong numbers. He completed 78.7% of his 89 pass attempts for 972 yards, six touchdowns and zero interceptions while helping the Packers win two of the three games he started.

Meanwhile, Willis also provided a dynamic presence on the ground, rushing for 261 yards and three touchdowns on 42 carries while picking up 15 first downs with his legs.

Before arriving in Green Bay, Willis began his career with the Tennessee Titans after being selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Liberty Flames football. His tenure in Tennessee was short-lived, however, as the Titans dealt him after just two seasons during a crowded quarterback situation that included Will Levis and veteran Ryan Tannehill.

The Dolphins’ interest in Willis had been speculated about earlier this offseason. Former NFL defensive back Jason McCourty suggested Miami could pursue the quarterback due to new head coach Jeff Hafley already having familiarity with him. Hafley previously served as defensive coordinator for the Packers, where he saw Willis develop firsthand while running scout-team offense in practice.

“Doesn’t look like Tua Tagovailoa is going to be back, I’m assuming this,” McCourty said on Get Up. “If you’re Jeff Hafley, you just spent the last two years going against Malik Willis every single day in practice and running the scout team. Why not bring him over as a free agent and see what he can do with your offense?”

Now, Miami will get that opportunity. With Willis under contract and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik leading the system, the Dolphins are hoping the former Liberty star can develop into the franchise’s long-term answer at quarterback.

— On3’s Griffin McVeigh contributed to this article.