Playing alongside Jordan Love in Green Bay Packers brought a lot of attention to Malik Willis. So much so that he became almost everyone’s favorite quarterback in 2026 NFL free agency rumors.Several franchises were looking to sign him – just because he promised a bright future. He chose a franchise whose longtime starting quarterback had just left for another team in free agency.The Miami Dolphins hoped to shine with Malik Willis’ talent just hours after parting ways with Tua Tagovailoa. They even signed him to a three-year, $68 million contract.But when the 2026 season arrived, he was probably deemed to be as worse as Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. His team was one of the two franchises to record a historically poor season, with zero wins and nothing but losses piling up.
Malik Willis’ Dolphins linked to Drew Mestemaker
The magic Malik Willis showed in Green Bay seemed to have disappeared into thin air in Miami. He recorded 121 completions on 208 attempts for 1,396 passing yards, and six touchdowns and six interceptions.He was scaled 24 times and recorded five total fumbles, three of which he lost. His completion percentage stood at 58.2, while his passer rating was 76.1.He also recorded 38 carries for 232 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.In his most recent Week 9 loss to the Detroit Lions, he completed 13 of 25 passes for 128 yards, with zero touchdowns and one interception. He also had two carries for seven rushing yards.Even if his individual stats look promising and impressive, his team is not able to convert those stats into tangible wins!And so, for that matter, Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski has suggested 2027 draft prospect quarterback Drew Mestemaker as a potential quarterback option for Miami in his latest mock draft.
Malik Willis may have played his last starter role in Dolphins
2026 could be Malik Willis’ last stint as a starting quarterback, and he may have to resort to a backup role to improve his production.After all, being a backup is not just about individual stats but also about stepping up and helping the team win games in the starting quarterback’s absence.In Miami, Willis had the starting role, he did not display the same winning competitive spirit that he probably had in Green Bay as a backup.Anyhow, the Dolphins may be stuck with less talented QB1, but they couldn’t afford to pass up an opportunity to select the 2027 class’ top quarterback prospect – Drew Mestemaker.According to scouts, Mestemaker has the size, mobility, and arm talent to become a next-level playmaking threat. His strong arm allows him to throw the deep passes and generate enough velocity to zip the ball into tight windows.He also brings a gunslinger’s mentality. His decision-making could improve as the game slows down for him. He enters the NFL with a high ceiling and a solid floor.
Drew Mestemaker could save Miami
According to ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Drew Mestemaker did not start as a quarterback for his high school team.He initially played as a punter, then safety, before becoming the backup quarterback. He only became a starter in 2025 for North Texas. He threw for more than 4,000 yards before transferring with coach Eric Morris to Oklahoma State.His toolbox is incredible. He scans the gridiron and patiently bides his time in the pocket. His strong big arm allows him to make all kinds of throws.He has completed 48 passes that have travelled 20-plus yards this season.Mestemaker also displays linebacker-esque toughness and plays with a competitive edge. Maybe that’s exactly what the Miami Dolphins need after their struggles with Tua Tagovailoa, Mike McDaniel, and Malik Willis.
Malik Willis on injured reserve
Malik Willis has been placed on injured reserve due to a groin injury, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter.As per NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Willis has been battling a groin injury that has impacted his mobility. An MRI revealed that it has developed into a core muscle injury that requires rest. It may not be season-ending, but he will miss at least four weeks.Backup QB Kyle McCord is set to make his NFL debut in Sunday’s upcoming matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.The Dolphins are 1-7 into this matchup and now face a similarly poor-performing team, the Colts [2-7], on November 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana.