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The Miami Dolphins have moved swiftly to reshape their quarterback position, agreeing to a significant contract with Malik Willis just hours after announcing they would release longtime starter Tua Tagovailoa.
The decision marks one of the most dramatic roster changes of the NFL offseason and signals a new direction for the franchise.
According to reports, Willis has signed a three-year contract worth $67.5 million with the Dolphins, including $45 million in guaranteed money.
The move comes shortly after the team confirmed it would part ways with Tagovailoa, despite the quarterback signing a four-year, $212 million extension in July 2024.
That decision carries a massive financial consequence. Miami will absorb an unprecedented $99.2 million in dead salary-cap space once the release becomes official when the NFL's new league year begins Wednesday.
Despite the costly move, new Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan acted quickly to secure a replacement.
Willis, 26, spent the past two seasons with the Green Bay Packers as a backup to quarterback Jordan Love.
Although his playing time has been limited, the Dolphins clearly believe the former third-round pick has the potential to develop into a starting-caliber quarterback.
Before joining the Packers, Willis began his NFL career with the Tennessee Titans, who selected him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
In August 2024, he was traded to Green Bay in exchange for a seventh-round pick. Across his professional career so far, he has appeared in 22 games, including four during the 2025 season.
Meanwhile, Miami's decision to release Tagovailoa comes after a difficult 2025 campaign.
The Dolphins finished the season with a 7-10 record and failed to qualify for the playoffs. The quarterback struggled throughout the year, throwing a career-high 15 interceptions while frequently being held under 200 passing yards in games.
The struggles eventually led head coach Mike McDaniel to bench the 28-year-old late in the season, with rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers starting the final three games.
Tagovailoa bids farewell as Miami begins transition
The decision to release Tua Tagovailoa was formally confirmed in a statement from general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, who emphasized the organization's respect for the quarterback while explaining the need for change.
"I recently informed Tua and his representation that we are going to move in a new direction at the quarterback position and will be releasing him after the start of the new league year," Sullivan said in a statement early Monday morning.
"As I shared with Tua, I have great respect for the person and player he is. On behalf of the Miami Dolphins, I expressed our gratitude for his many contributions, both on the field and in the community, during his six seasons in Miami.
"As we move forward, we will be focused on infusing competition across the roster and establishing a strong foundation for this team as we work towards building a sustained winner."
Shortly after the announcement, Tagovailoa addressed the situation publicly in an emotional social media post, thanking the franchise and fans who supported him throughout his career in South Florida.
"From the moment I arrived, you believed in me, supported me, and embraced my family as your own," he wrote.
"I was able to marry my wife and welcome both my kids to this world. I was able to fortunately allow them to experience life from one I never got to growing up. Wearing this jersey and representing this city has been one of the greatest joys of my life."
"To the fans, your energy, loyalty, and passion meant everything. You lifted me up in the biggest moments and stood by me through the challenging ones."
"From my first start I had, to the first touchdown I threw I'm grateful for all of it. My family and I felt your love every step of the way. I also carry deep regret that I couldn't get the job done and bring a championship home to this city. Miami deserves that, and I'll always wish I could have delivered it for you."
"As I prepare for the next chapter, I move forward with gratitude, faith, and memories I'll cherish for a lifetime. South Florida will always hold a special place in my heart. 1Love - UNO out".
As the Dolphins begin a new chapter with Malik Willis under center, attention now shifts to whether the young quarterback can seize the opportunity and guide the franchise toward a more successful future.
Meanwhile, Tua Tagovailoa could soon find a new home, with reports suggesting the Atlanta Falcons are among the teams interested in signing him once he officially becomes a free agent.