ESPN analyst makes odd claim that Dolphins' best signing was $1.4M edge, not Malik Willis

The Miami Dolphins were very active this offseason, though not all of their moves were made to add players to the roster. They cut Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill, while trading Jaylen Waddle and Minkah Fitzpatrick.

But, they didn't just ship players off; they did add some talent. The NFL Draft was a 13-player class featuring some interesting options all over the class. But, in free agency, the Dolphins did make a few moves that are worth being excited about.

ESPN's Bill Barnwell revealed that what offseason signing of the Dolphins was his favorite move, and it's not a move most would expect.

"Best: Signing Joshua Uche," Barnwell writes. "... Uche is still only 27, and he has had success at one of the league's most important positions."

While Joshua Uche isn't a bad signing at all, with his $1.4 million deal being very affordable, it's odd that Malik Willis, the team's new high-upside quarterback, wasn't their best move of the offseason.

Dolphins' best signing being Joshua Uche and not Malik Willis is strange

Willis signed a $67.5 million contract over three years this offseason, and it has an out after the 2027 season, so the Dolphins wouldn't be on the hook for more than $45 million over the next two seasons.

Sure, Willis is making significantly more than Uche, but he plays a much more important position and is almost a year younger.

Barnwell highlighted Uche being 27 years old and his premium position of an edge rusher as reasons why this signing was the best move of the Dolphins' offseason.

It's an odd claim to make, as Willis, on his $67.5 million three-year deal, is much more worthy of being called the Dolphins' best move of the offseason.

MORE: ESPN analyst says if Cade Klubnik gets on the field for Jets it would mean something went wrong

Uche has bounced around the league and hasn't really proven much in the NFL. Willis hasn't either, and even though he's making a ton of money, if he can be a solid starter as he showed in Green Bay, this contract would be a steal.

Barnwell isn't wrong to praise the Uche signing, as that's exactly the kind of move the Dolphins should be making.

But, compared to the importance of the QB position, and how drastically things could change if Willis hits, it's odd not to call the Willis signing the best move of the offseason.

More NFL news:

• Stefon Diggs linked to Rams, Chiefs, Commanders after Patriots release
• 49ers voice frustrations over grueling 2026 travel schedule
• 49ers and Chiefs rumored as Eagles trade partner for AJ Brown
• Bengals fans should worry about second-year linebackers in 2026
• Taylen Green has a much higher ceiling for Browns than Shedeur Sanders