Analyst hands Dolphins interesting grade for $67.5 million signing

The Miami Dolphins have made one thing clear this offseason -- it's a total rebuild.

With a host of stars having moved on, and the franchise cleaning house, what Jeff Hafley and Co. have done is with one thing in mind, and that is to get the franchise rolling with their players, not the previous regime's.

As such, Tua Tagovailoa is out at quarterback, replaced by Malik Willis, who has done next to nothing in the league, yet got a $67.5 million deal to come to Miami.

Yes, he was good for a brief second on Green Bay, and the Dolphins are banking on that happening in Miami.

ESPN's Seth Walder has assessed the move and given it an "A" grade.

"Sometimes all the dot-connecting before free agency does foretell a signing," Walder wrote. "Ever since the Dolphins hired Jeff Hafley and Jon-Eric Sullivan -- both from the Packers -- as their coach and general manager, they have been linked to Willis given their experience with him and Miami's need at quarterback.

"Instead of trotting out a veteran bridge quarterback, it makes sense to play for the upside. And Willis has tons of it."

More: ESPN lauds Vikings over $1.3 million signing

Dolphins banking on potential

Willis has just six starts in his NFL career, while playing just 22 games across four years. 

So, the Dolphins are hoping that what they saw from Willis in Green Bay is what they might get in Miami. That's a big risk.

Granted, it is likely worth taking a shot at Willis instead of moving forward with Tua again, but there is a chance this move blows up in Miami's face, or Willis becomes the player the franchise had hoped he would become.

And it will be fascinating to see how it develops over the course of the 2026 season.

More NFL news:

• Jaylen Waddle has odd response to role in Broncos offense
• Latest Vikings QB move a red flag for J.J. McCarthy
• Are Chiefs still in play for All-Pro WR?
• Ravens urged to sign All-Pro WR for Lamar Jackson
• Buccaneers might have $44 million Baker Mayfield problem
• Chiefs begin AFC ascension in latest offseason power rankings
• Buccaneers reveal eyebrow-raising detail of potential Mike Evans contract