It was inevitable from the moment Jeff Hafley became the Miami Dolphins head coach.
Malik Willis is now joining him. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Hafley's Dolphins are signing Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million deal with $45 million fully guaranteed.
It's a massive deal for Willis, who had proven himself every time the Green Bay Packers needed him. The move comes on the same day that the Dolphins released Tua Tagovailoa, opening the door for Willis to become the starting quarterback for Hafley's team.
Former Packers QB Malik Willis to reunite with Jeff Hafley, sign with Dolphins
It's a massive move for Willis, and he deserves it after throwing for 972 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions with a 134.6 passer rating during his time as Jordan Love's backup quarterback. He showed true QB1 potential throughout his run with the Packers, and he now gets that opportunity.
Willis reunites with Hafley and Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, who had a front-row seat for his incredible run in Green Bay.
Hafley understands the importance of getting the quarterback decision right, and as they enter a new era without Tagovailoa, Willis gets the first opportunity.
It leaves the Packers without a backup quarterback. They could explore the free-agent market to find Willis' replacement, or perhaps they will wait until Day 3 of the draft. It won't be easy finding a replacement on Willis' level — the Packers knew they had a backup capable of winning games when Jordan Love missed time.
The good news is that Green Bay could land a compensatory draft pick in 2027, and potentially as high as a third-rounder. His contract in Miami makes that a real possibility.
It's a fantastic deal for Willis, and he deserves it. The Packers will struggle to replace him, but his departure could land them a third-round pick in 2027. That's great business after trading a seventh-rounder for him in 2024.