Malik Willis Gets the Nod: Dolphins Name Preseason Starter for Friday
Miami Dolphins Kick Off 2026 Preseason With New Look and New Quarterback
The Big Picture: A Fresh Start in Miami
The Miami Dolphins are just one day away from their first preseason game of 2026, and things look very different from last year. Think of it like getting a brand-new toy box — new coach, new general manager (the boss who picks players), and a brand-new starting quarterback.
Important Point: This isn’t just a small tune-up. The Dolphins hit the "reset button" on their whole team.
What Changed? (The New Faces)
Here are the three biggest changes you need to know:
- New General Manager: Jon-Eric Sullivan — He’s the guy who decides which players stay and which ones go.
- New Head Coach: Jeff Hafley — Sullivan brought him in to run the team on the field.
- New Quarterback: Malik Willis — The Dolphins said goodbye to Tua Tagovailoa (their former first-round draft pick) and traded for Willis, who used to be a backup for the Green Bay Packers.
Who Is Malik Willis? (The New Guy Under Center)
Willis isn’t a rookie — he got real game experience last year. Here’s his 2025 stat line when he filled in for injured Packers starter Jordan Love:
| Stat | Number |
|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 422 |
| Completions | 30 |
| Rushing Yards | 123 |
| Total Touchdowns | 5 (passing + running) |
Why does this matter?
Willis can run and throw. That makes him a "dual-threat" quarterback — like having a Swiss Army knife instead of just a spoon.
Simple Definition: A dual-threat quarterback is a player who can hurt the defense with both his arm and his legs.
What Happened at Practice? (Spoiler: It Was Rough)
The Dolphins and Washington Commanders held a joint practice yesterday (that’s when two teams practice together). According to people who were there:
- Miami’s offense struggled against Washington’s strong defensive front.
- The defensive front = the big, fast guys up front who try to sack the quarterback.
Coach Hafley’s reaction? He wants Willis and the offense to clean things up fast so they don’t look messy in Friday’s game.
Game Details: When and Where to Watch
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Opponent | Washington Commanders |
| Date | Friday (tomorrow!) |
| Time | 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time |
| Location | Landover, Maryland (Commanders’ home stadium) |
Will Willis play?
Coach Hafley said:
"I am. But, as you said, things can change."
Translation: Yes, probably — unless something crazy happens.
Why This Matters: The "Skip the Rebuild" Plan
Usually, when a team gets a new GM and coach, they rebuild — that means losing a lot for a few years while young players grow.
But the Dolphins are trying something different:
- Sign a young, athletic quarterback (Willis is 25)
- Give him a big contract (3 years, $67.5 million)
- Hope he wins now instead of waiting 3 years
The Gamble: Miami is betting Willis can be good enough, fast enough to make the playoffs this year.
Summary
- The Dolphins open the 2026 preseason Friday at 7 PM ET vs. the Commanders.
- New leadership: GM Jon-Eric Sullivan, Coach Jeff Hafley.
- New QB: Malik Willis replaces Tua Tagovailoa.
- Willis showed flashes in 2025 (422 pass yds, 123 rush yds, 5 TDs).
- Offense struggled in joint practice — Hafley wants quick fixes.
- Team signed Willis to a 3-year, $67.5M deal to fast-track a turnaround.
- First test: tomorrow night in Landover, MD.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Why did the Dolphins get rid of Tua Tagovailoa?
The new leadership wanted a different style of quarterback — one who can run and extend plays. Tua is a pocket passer (stays in one spot), while Willis brings mobility. It was a strategic choice, not necessarily about Tua’s talent.
Is Malik Willis the definite starter for the regular season?
Not officially yet. Friday’s game is his first audition. If he plays well, the job is likely his. If he struggles, the Dolphins might look elsewhere — but the big contract suggests they believe in him.
What’s a "joint practice" and why does it matter?
It’s when two NFL teams practice together instead of against their own teammates. It’s more intense and realistic. Struggling in a joint practice = a red flag for game readiness.
How much is $67.5 million for a quarterback?
In today’s NFL, that’s actually a mid-tier deal. Top QBs make $50M+ per year. Willis’s contract shows the Dolphins like him — but aren’t paying him like a superstar yet.
Can I watch the game on TV?
Preseason games are usually on local TV networks or NFL+ (the league’s streaming service). Check your local listings or the Dolphins’ official website for exact broadcast info.
Final Thought: Friday night isn’t about the final score — it’s about clues. Can Willis move the ball? Does the offense look organized? Is the new culture taking root? Grab some popcorn and watch the process, not just the points.