$67m Dolphins QB tipped to be ‘biggest bust’ and very expensive Arch Manning bridge

Jul 13, 2026 - 08:30

The Miami Dolphins enter 2026 with a new-look offense.

Leading the new crop will be quarterback Malik Willis, who was one of the most coveted free agents this offseason.

Malik Willis #2 of the Miami Dolphins competes in a drill during OTA Offseason Workouts at Baptist Health Training Complex on June 09, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. — Malik Willis is preparing to lead Miami’s offense in 2026

After releasing Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins inked the former Green Bay Packers quarterback to a three-year deal worth $67.5 million.

Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton predicted each team’s biggest free-agent bust for 2026, and Willis was his choice for the Dolphins, and the reasoning is eye-opening.

“Malik Willis isn’t set up to flourish on a rebuilding squad with arguably the league’s worst pass-catching group,” Moton wrote.

“The Miami Dolphins are heading into training camp with Jalen Tolbert, Malik Washington, and Tutu Atwell as their top three wideouts.

“None of the aforementioned receivers has caught more than 49 passes in a season.

“According to ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques, Willis has built a rapport with Greg Dulcich.

“Yet if his top pass-catcher is a fifth-year tight end who had his best year as a rookie, that’s not a good sign.

“Because of a below-average supporting cast, Willis will underperform on a three-year, $67.5 million deal.”

Despite spending on a new quarterback, the Dolphins front office had made little to no effort to provide him with much offensive help.

Miami released wide receiver Tyreek Hill and traded Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, leaving them with arguably the NFL’s thinnest offensive room.

Tyreek Hill #10 of the Miami Dolphins leaves the field following an injury during the third quarter against the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium on September 29, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. — Miami have released multiple veterans including Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill in order to create cap space

Malik Willis #2 of the Miami Dolphins looks to pass during OTA Offseason Workouts at Baptist Health Training Complex on June 09, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. — No wide receiver for Willis has caught more than 49 passes in a single year

There is also the fact that Willis himself doesn’t have much experience starting.

In four seasons, he has started six games between the Packers and the Tennessee Titans and it was with the former where he showed potential.

In 11 games (three starts), he threw for 972 yards with six touchdowns and no interceptions.

Miami could land Arch Manning

Some preseason power rankings have the team rock bottom at No. 32, behind the likes of the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and Arizona Cardinals.

There is a real possibility that Miami could posses the No.1 pick in next years draft, where Arch Manning could be of interest.

The Texas Longhorns quarterback threw for 3,163 yards with 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2025 – and is widely expected to be a top-5 pick.

Quarterback Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns on the field during the Texas Longhorns Football Fan Day on April 18, 2026, at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, TX. — Miami’s tough 2025 offensive outlook could lead to them landing Arch Manning

Whether Willis can prove everyone wrong and elevate his unproven receiving corps remains to be seen.

A rough developmental year for Willis might just be the exact price Miami is willing to pay to secure a generational talent under center next spring.

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