Dolphins betting on QB upside with key free agency signing

The Miami Dolphins were always going to be quarterback hunting when free agency began, as the franchise was done with Tua Tagovailoa.

But who the franchise would go after was unknown.

Kyler Murray, Kirk Cousins, and Malik Willis were those named mentioned, and as it turns out, the Dolphins went with the player who has the biggest upside in Willis.

A three-year, $67.5 million deal was agreed, and now Miami has its quarterback, albeit an unproven one.

For ESPN's Seth Walder, Miami has earned an "A" grade for the move, citing Willis' upside as a big reason.

“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.

“And Willis represents exactly what the Dolphins need: quarterbacking upside. Instead of trotting out a veteran bridge quarterback, it makes sense to play for the upside. And Willis has tons of it.”

More: Saints get torched over $52 million free agency move

Willis facing immediate pressure

Well, sort of.

Being paid based on your potential means that you have to hit the ground running with your new team.

The Dolphins do have weapons for Willis under this new regime, but let's be clear: people shouldn't expect greatness straight away. However, the NFL is a results business. So keep that in mind.

Willis was impressive in his small sample size with the Green Bay Packers, but as we know, being a starter in the NFL is a whole lot different than being a backup.

How Willis handles that transition will be fascinating to watch.

But one thing we know about Miami is that they believe in Willis. And sometimes, that's all you need.

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