The Miami Dolphins’ decision to hire Jon-Eric Sullivan as their new general manager on Friday marks a pivotal turning point for the franchise’s plans, and it may have inadvertently vaulted Malik Willis to the top of Miami’s NFL offseason wishlist.
Dolphins Could Target Malik Willis This NFL Offseason
Sullivan spent more than two decades with the Green Bay Packers and most recently served as their vice president of player personnel. He arrives in Miami with deep experience evaluating and developing quarterback talent, including Willis, who has surged into the NFL conversation late this season.
A new GM in Miami: Dolphins are finalizing a deal to hire Packers VP of Player Personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan as their general manager, per sources. pic.twitter.com/okHO5IDs7y
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 9, 2026
Sullivan’s tenure in Green Bay saw him intimately involved in player personnel decisions alongside Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst. That includes shepherding in Willis, whom Green Bay acquired in 2024 for a modest draft pick. What began as a low-risk backup move turned into something far more consequential when Willis was thrust into action due to Jordan Love’s injuries and inconsistent availability.
Over the last season and a half, Willis has impressed, including standout performances when called upon. Most recently, in Week 17, he threw for 288 yards and a touchdown, earning a 134.6 passer rating before leaving with a shoulder injury.
In 11 appearances with the Packers over the last two seasons, Willis has completed over 78% of his 89 passes, and has thrown 6 touchdowns and 0 interceptions.
This late-season emergence has dramatically reshaped perceptions of Willis around the league, elevating his value on the open market. Previously regarded as a developmental or backup option, he now profiles as a viable starting quarterback candidate.
Miami’s Hiring Of New GM Gives Team A Connection To Willis
The most obvious destination could be South Florida, where the offseason will be dominated by uncertainty at the game’s most important position. The Dolphins endured a messy 7-10 season that culminated in the firing of head coach Mike McDaniel and the dismissal of longtime GM Chris Grier.
I bet the new Dolphins GM from the Packers has a good idea of what free agent QB Malik Willis is worth
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) January 9, 2026
Miami’s quarterback room struggled mightily at times, and with Tua Tagovailoa’s future up in the air due to a burdensome contract and recent benching, the organization enters 2026 needing answers under center. There aren’t many franchise-altering options available this offseason, whether it be through the NFL Draft or free agency, so the Dolphins could see Willis as something of a high-potential stop-gap until 2027.
Sullivan’s history of identifying and developing quarterback talent gives Miami a compelling reason to believe it can unlock Willis’s potential where others haven’t. The team still needs a head coach, who will obviously have some say in the decisions and direction of the franchise, but Malik Willis is certainly more likely to end up in Miami now that Sullivan has been hired.
