Former Green Bay Packers QB Malik Willis signed with the Miami Dolphins earlier this season in March. However, just over a week later, the team made a major move by trading wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, ending the chance for the two to play together.

Speaking during the Dolphins' Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this Tuesday, Willis admitted he would have liked the opportunity to share the field with the star receiver.

"It was unfortunate, for sure, to say the least," Willis said. "That's a really good player, and I would have loved to play with him, but that's above my pay grade, brother. Out of my hands." 

Jaylen Waddle finished the 2025 season with 64 catches for 910 yards, nearly doubling the receiving yardage total of any other player on the Miami Dolphins roster, leaving the Dolphins without their primary deep threat, per NFL.com.

Miami later added free agent wide receivers Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell, and Terrace Marshall Jr., among other selections of the draft.

The trade alters the roster Willis joined just months ago. Last season, the Dolphins finished third in the AFC East with a record of 7-10.

However, Waddle's departure is only one part of the adjustment for Willis. With Miami entering a new phase this offseason, the quarterback is now focusing on settling into a different environment and building his place within the team. 

QB Malik Willis Turns Attention Toward Miami's Next Chapter 

As the Dolphins continue working through their offseason program, the quarterback is also adjusting to a rebuilt offense and a new system.

Head coach Jeff Hafley recently shared his thoughts on Willis' current role with the team via Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.

"My main focus for him right now is to learn the scheme, get to know the players, and not overdo the whole leadership thing," Hafley said. "He can focus on becoming the best quarterback and the best player and the best teammate he can be."

Willis later echoed this approach, explaining that leadership comes with time and trust rather than being handed to someone.

"It's about building trust... I don't think you just put somebody in a position to say, 'Okay, you're the leader now.' You got to earn that."

The Miami Dolphins aggressively added wide receiver depth this offseason to give their quarterback more passing options.

Miami used draft picks on three receivers, selecting Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell in the third round, before adding Kevin Coleman Jr. in the fifth. The pick used on Bell came from the Denver Broncos as part of the Waddle trade, as per NFL.com.

What do you think about Malik Willis' new journey with the Dolphins? Let us know in the comments below. 

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Written by

Divyanshi Raj

Edited by

Rudra Dubey