Former third-round pick Malik Willis is ready to start as the No. 1 quarterback for the Miami Dolphins. The former Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers QB signed at the start of free agency this year. Now, he is ready to build chemistry with his new set of wide receivers.

“All the guys are excited to go,” Willis said, according to WKYC Studios on July 27. “And we've just got to continue that up throughout camp and through the preseason and taking it into the season. Just building confidence and momentum.”

Just a few months ago, the Dolphins moved on from their star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after six years with the franchise. Traditionally a backup QB, Willis will now take the reins under Jeff Hafley.

According to a 27 July WKYC report by Alanis Thames' July 27, Willis' comment clearly shows that he isn't too worried about the new wide receiver group, now devoid of Tyreek Hill, who was released in February.

Since releasing Hill and trading Jaylen Waddle, the consensus is Miami has the worst receiver group entering the 2026 season. Still, Willis isn't too concerned. After losing their WR1 slots, the Dolphins have been busy in the offseason as well as the NFL Draft.

"We all play football at a high level, or we wouldn’t be in the NFL,” Willis said on Tuesday as per the team website. “Every team has good players. It’s just putting them in position to be successful. All the guys that have big names at one point didn’t have a big name...You just got to prove it, and that’s where we’re at right now."

This year, the Dolphins don't have a proven playmaker. There are talented players in the wide receiver bunch. The likes of Malik Washington, Tutu Atwell, and Jalen Tolbert are strong candidates to claim a starting spot.

After four seasons in Dallas, Tolbert joined the franchise as a free agent in March and is the favorite to secure the WR1 role.

Tolbert had a breakthrough season in 2024 with the Cowboys. He recorded 49 catches for 610 yards and seven touchdowns.

In addition to those players, there are also third-round picks Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell, and fifth-round pick Kevin Coleman Jr., who were added in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Meanwhile, it is also Willis' first stint with the QB1 role. Linking up with a new set of wide receivers may take time. The Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley understands this and believes Willis' key to success lies in his ability to develop the understanding quickly.

Miami Dolphins head coach believes QB-WR chemistry will be important

Jeff Hafley wants Malik Willis to build confidence. Admitting that his early preseason practices were shaky, he acknowledged Willis' improvements in his statement, as per Bryan Miller's July 27 PhinPhanatic report.

"I think the key for Malik [Willis] will be his confidence and his chemistry with those wideouts," said Hafley. "I want to see when he is at the line that there is no hesitation. I want to feel his confidence. I want to see his confidence. I want him not to be discouraged when he has a bad throw."

In his four years in the NFL, Willis has thus far appeared in 22 games. He has notched up over 1,300 yards, 6 passing TDs, with a completion rate of 67.7%.

Interestingly, his experience in terms of starting games has only been in six outings so far. This time with the Dolphins, things will be different as he is set to go in as number one.

If he is unable to hit the ground running, last year's seventh-round pick, Quinn Ewers, who has already started three games, could also push for a role.

Do you think Malik Willis will have a strong 2026 season? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Sourav Ganguly

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote