Point blank: If Jon-Eric Sullivan’s first big move as Miami Dolphins general manager is to sign Malik Willis, it will be a mistake. That said, I don’t think he’s going to make it. 

The Willis topic seems to be the most talked about and debated among Dolphins fans on social media, just ahead of the upcoming draft. Some people are surprisingly adamant (and a little emotional honestly) about the Dolphins adding Willis. 

The shiny new object has the attention of the mob.

“We need to get the quarterback situation in place, but we’re not going to do it in an irresponsible manner where we sacrifice building the infrastructure“ – Jon-Eric Sullivan

IN A DIFFERENT YEAR… MAYBE

My reluctance as it relates to the Dolphins adding Willis – the top quarterback in this year’s free agent market – has nothing to do with his talent.

He has a strong arm and all the tools, save ideal size. Some of the throws he pulls off look like they can’t happen, yet he makes them. He had injuries last year in Green Bay, something fans in Miami have familiarity with (and one would think should make them wary) and can’t be disregarded.

It is easy to watch his play style and see why people would want their team to go after him. It’s exciting. 

But stepping in at quarterback in Miami in 2026 for Willis would not be like it was for him in Green Bay late last season for injured starter Jordan Love.

In Miami, he would be the new leader of an unfinished project. Shoot, a barely-started one.

THE MAIN DANGER OF WILLIS 

Sullivan has mentioned size numerous times as a trait he will be seeking in players. It’s a notion that’s come to fruition quickly in the addition of 6-2 wide receiver Terrace Marshall and 6-7 tight end Zack Kuntz, his first signees in Miami.  

The lack of size bothers and the injuries bother me, but it’s not chief among the issues.

It’s the possibility that he may be just good enough. Just good enough that they remain right where they are.

SHORT TERM PROGRESS, LONG TERM STAGNATION 

The Dolphins have eight draft picks this year, a draft widely-regarded as average and more or less poor at some positions (QB, RB, TE, OG) that would affect an offense.

The 2027 draft is another story and the plethora of talent will be led by what looks like a class of multiple franchise quarterbacks.

And that’s not considering any player who may emerge next college football season. How many people had even heard of Fernando Mendoza before 2025? And that’s your likely number one overall this year.

With so many holes at so many spots and ’27 looking like a banner draft, Sullivan has to be thinking about the next two years, not just this one.

Willis could be just good enough in 2026 that it weakens Miami’s positioning in a ’27 draft that could bring home prized pieces in a key draft for building, including quarterback.

“SULLIVAN STRESSED IMPORTANCE OF QUARTERBACK” … AND?  

There’s a narrative that Miami will add Willis because Sullivan said in his introductory press conference that the quarterback position is most important on the team.

Ask an eight-year old, “what’s the most important position on a football team?,” and aside from “I don’t know,” the number one answer on the board will be quarterback. That doesn’t mean ‘get the quarterback first’ if you’re a grown up GM who has full autonomy.

At that same intro press conference, there was a clearer statement regarding his thoughts on the position.

“We need to get the quarterback situation in place,” said Sullivan, “but we’re not going to do it in an irresponsible manner where we sacrifice building the infrastructure of this football team, so when we do find our guy, he can be successful.”

Build through the draft, create culture with those guys, spend the money on keeping them. All stated goals by Sullivan.

Willis would first reportedly command a two-year deal, of which it’s hard to see Miami winning.

Miami’s current 2026 cap space is (-$16.4 million), fourth-worst in the league. Teams rumored to be in the quarterback market includes the New York Jets ($83 million in the black), the Steelers ($45 million) and Atlanta ($26.5 million).

You get the point. It would be a strain for the Dolphins.

GREEN BAY SOUTH

To reiterate, it is not Malik Willis the player I am against adding to the Miami Dolphins. It’s Malik Willis the situation I am against adding to the present-day Miami Dolphins.  

It could put the organization in the same position it has been in for decades. Further stagnation. 

Jon-Eric Sullivan made clear his plan and it sounds good. And he’s got a ton of security to not have a reason to rush. Shoot, the guy he replaced posted a decade of mediocrity before they cut him loose.

Building from scratch is ideal if you’re a builder and that’s what Sullivan proclaims to be.

The Dolphins are not in a good situation, but they are in a good position if you want to start constructing through the draft and setting the culture with your players.

Green Bay South sounds like a good plan. But banking on a player Green Bay signed as a backup (and is apparently not entertaining re-signing) is not the way.