Arch Manning could replace $67m quarterback yet to start a game for franchise in ‘rebuild mode’

Jul 8, 2026 - 20:30

The Miami Dolphins are shaping up to be a tough watch in 2026, and if it all goes wrong, Arch Manning could provide light at the end of the tunnel.

Back-to-back losing seasons mean the former NFL powerhouse is going through a rebuild.

Malik Willis #2 of the Miami Dolphins looks on during OTA Offseason Workouts at Baptist Health Training Complex on June 09, 2026 — Willis has arrived in Miami with a point to prove but won’t have long to make his mark

New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has already made a splash, signing top free agent quarterback Malik Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million contract this offseason.

He replaces former face of the franchise, Tua Tagovailoa, and joins forces with new head coach Jeff Hafley in a bid to turn things around in South Florida.

While the Dolphins appeared to draft well, and selected promising offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor with the No. 12 pick to help protect their new signal caller, Willis will be working with limited weapons.

Miami’s overhauled wide receiver room is thin, coming off the departures of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

Projected starters Malik Washington, Jalen Tolbert and Tutu Atwell will be backed up by rookies Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell and Kevin Coleman Jr.

Despite Proctor’s arrival, the Dolphins will still likely have one of the worst offensive lines in the league, and preseason power rankings have the team rock bottom at No. 32, behind the likes of the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and Arizona Cardinals.

Plenty of analysts are already writing Miami off, and Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo believes they will possess the No. 1 pick in 2027.

Arch Manning could replace $67.5m Malik Willis after one season

In his mock draft, Melo has the Dolphins turning to Texas quarterback Manning.

“The Miami Dolphins are in full-blown rebuild mode,” he wrote.

“They signed Malik Willis this offseason as a temporary solution, but his presence wouldn’t prevent them from drafting a quarterback if they get the top pick.

Malik Willis #2 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates with fans after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field on December 27, 2025 — Mock drafts have the Dolphins in possession of the No. 1 draft pick in 2027

Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass to Ryan Wingo #1 (not pictured) during the first quarter of the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 01, 2025 — Manning has been projected to arrive and replace Willis

“Arch Manning finished his 2025 season in rather strong fashion. Manning started to look like a quarterback capable of going No. 1 overall after a slow start to his debut campaign as a starter.”

Meanwhile, A to Z Sports writer Kyle Crabbs has suggested the Dolphins didn’t sign Willis and pay him top dollar to be a ‘short-term solution’ — but could be forced into drafting a quarterback in 2027 if he fails to perform.

“They believe he’s capable of performing at a level that would warrant being the long-term answer,” Crabbs wrote.

“But if Miami finishes this season with the No. 1 overall draft pick, it’s going to be hard to compartmentalize the performance of Willis and the team as a whole.

“Manning has plenty of enticing tools but at this stage, the most enticing part of his resume is the name.

“He’s still rough around the edges, as you may expect for a one-year starter.

Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns reacts during the fourth quarter of the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 01, 2025 — Manning is expected to be the top quarterback available in the 2027 draft

“The question for him this season will be how much polish he adds to his game after an offseason of being the unquestioned starter at Texas.”

All signs, it seems, are pointing to Manning landing in South Florida next year.

Malik Willis handed rough 2026 outlook

Just like the Dolphins, their new QB has landed low on preseason rankings.

ProFootballFocus (PFF) has Willis rated as the third-worst starter in the NFL (No. 30) with only Jacoby Brissett of the Cardinals and Deshaun Watson of the Browns below him.

Malik Willis #2 of the Green Bay Packers scores a touchdown in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field on December 27, 2025 — Willis is looking to prove his credentials as an NFL starter in Miami

To irk Miami’s fans even more, Tagovailoa has been named a better option (No. 28) than the man that replaced him.

“Willis turned a second chance in Green Bay into a starting opportunity in Miami. Across 11 appearances with the Packers, he accounted for eight touchdowns while recording just one turnover-worthy play,” PFF noted in their analysis.

“His signature performance came in a Week 17 loss to Baltimore when he earned a 95.6 PFF overall grade, the second-highest single-game grade by any quarterback in the NFL in 2025.

“He is flanked by what appears to be a weak receiving corps this season, but Willis’ rushing ability should be a major factor in the Dolphins’ offense.

Malik Willis #2 of the Green Bay Packers runs with the ball for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field on December 27, 2025 — Willis signed a $67.5m deal with the Dolphins this offseason

“Willis averaged 6.2 yards per carry during his two seasons in Green Bay while generating 12 explosive runs on just 42 rushing attempts.”

In 2026, the former Packers back-up will be looking to prove he belongs on the NFL field as a starter, despite being surrounded by limited offensive options.

But if he doesn’t do that, and things go south, Manning could be waiting in the wings.

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