Dolphins’ Tua replacement plan not done yet as Miami urged to draft top QB despite Malik Willis trade

Mar 18, 2026 - 15:45

The Miami Dolphins appear to be hitting the reset button ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

Miami has been busy in the early weeks of the offseason, making plenty of impactful moves such as trading away Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos.

Jaylen Waddle #17 of the Miami Dolphins takes the field prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Hard Rock Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. — Miami acquired Denver’s first round pick this year, as well as a third and fourth round pick

But arguably the biggest decision they made was releasing former face of the franchise Tua Tagovailoa, resulting in one of the biggest cap hits in NFL history.

Tua has found his new home with the Atlanta Falcons, where he will be competing with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting gig, while Miami has already signed his replacement.

Malik Willis was widely considered the best free-agent quarterback available on the open market, and the Dolphins swooped in for the former Green Bay Packer, inking him to a three-year deal worth $67.5 million.

Despite Willis being slated to start for the Dolphins, ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky has urged them to consider selecting a QB in the upcoming NFL draft.

“It does make me think because there’ve been two teams, and you’ve heard me say this, that, I’ve said, like, there are the great places for the Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson,” Orlovsky said.

“Arizona [Cardinals] would be one, and Miami would be the other, and I know they just paid Malik Willis. I know that.

“It makes me think, even though they signed Malik Willis, they should do their homework and entertain drafting Ty Simpson in Miami.”

Simpson is expected to be the second quarterback selected behind Indiana Hoosiers’ Fernando Mendoza in April’s draft.

Simpson broke out in his sole season as Alabama’s starter, throwing for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns, while also rushing for 93 yards and two more touchdowns.

He also led the Crimson Tide to the College Football Playoffs for the first time since the Nick Saban era.

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on February 27, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. — The Dolphins have been urged to do their homework on Alabama QB Ty Simpson

Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins looks on against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half of the game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 21, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. — The Dolphins may not be done adding quarterbacks after releasing Tua earlier this offseason

Bama beat Oklahoma 34-24 in the first round before being routed 38-3 by Mendoza and the Hoosiers.

There are concerns about Simpson’s erraticness under pressure, but there are plenty of reasons he could work for the Dolphins.

Both Willis and Simpson are different types of quarterbacks, and their differing styles mesh well with new head coach Jeff Hafley’s offensives schemes.

Simpson, who by nature is more of a pocket passer, could land ahead of a Miami defense that has the infrastructure to allow for one.

They have a solid O-Line, with center Aaron Brewer being nominated for Protector of the Year.

Both Hafley new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan arrive from the Green Pay Packers, who have primarily had pocket passes over the past years with Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love.

Ty Simpson of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up prior to a game against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff Quarter Final Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2026 — Simpson fits Hafley’s offensive scheme, and could be mentored by Malik Willis

It’s unlikely Simpson would start if drafted, but it could be a good opportunity to learn the schemes behind Willis, if he lands at No. 11 in the draft.

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