Quarterback expert Quincy Avery, whose initial comment drew surprise during a phone call, readily reiterated his prediction.
While assessing the strengths of Miami Dolphins’ newest quarterback, Malik Willis, Avery — a mentor to many of the NFL’s premier signal-callers — boldly asserted that the former backup would not only be an outstanding passer next season but also “the best running quarterback in the NFL.”
Quite a statement.
In a league where two-time Associated Press NFL MVP Lamar Jackson — who holds the all-time single-season rushing record for quarterbacks — remains a superstar, Avery’s declaration was particularly audacious. He then doubled down on it.
“A few years ago, yes, Lamar was undeniably the best, and he still leads the NFL in scrambling, but my focus is on the unique capabilities Miami will now possess with designed [quarterback] runs,” explained Avery, who has collaborated with Willis for years. “With Malik’s skillset… the Dolphins will be able to execute so many truly different plays.
“His legs, mark my words, are going to be a defensive nightmare. Miami will put immense pressure on every opponent. The consequence of this is that it opens up so much opportunity in the passing game. These designed runs will be so effective, so potent, they’ll pave the way for countless explosive [passing] plays. This ranks among the finest signings of free agency.”
The Dolphins are certainly banking on it.
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Willis formally accepted a three-year, $67.5 million contract, featuring $45 million in guaranteed money and a $22.5 million signing bonus. This agreement was made official on Wednesday, marking the commencement of the new league year.
With a complete leadership overhaul, from the front office to the coaching staff, the Dolphins successfully recruited Willis from the Green Bay Packers, anticipating he will spearhead their organizational revitalization. This week, Miami parted ways with former starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, the fifth overall selection in the 2020 NFL draft.
Those now holding key leadership roles within Miami’s football operations possess a deep familiarity with Willis.
On January 9, the Dolphins appointed Jon-Eric Sullivan, a veteran player-personnel executive from the Packers, as their new general manager. Just ten days later, Sullivan was reunited with Jeff Hafley, the former Packers defensive coordinator, who was officially named Miami’s head coach.
Over the last two seasons, Willis, set to turn 27 in May, flourished in his role as the primary backup to Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love. Under the guidance of Packers head coach and offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur, Willis made the most of every chance he got while serving as Love’s understudy.
Consequently, he surprised numerous league analysts who had been quick to dismiss the young quarterback as a failure following his initial two seasons with the Tennessee Titans.
Drafted by the Titans in the third round (86th overall) in 2022 from Liberty, Willis found limited playing time and struggled behind Tennessee’s starting quarterback, Ryan Tannehill. Following two seasons, the Titans decided to move on from Willis, sending him to the Packers in 2024 in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2025 draft.
LaFleur was instrumental in teaching Willis the proper professional approach to the quarterback position, establishing a fundamental understanding that his protégé had lacked during his tenure in Nashville. From that point, Willis’ career trajectory rapidly ascended.
Even Titans supporters could vouch for this transformation.
Stepping in for an injured Love early in his first season post-trade, Willis excelled in the Packers’ dominant 30-14 victory over his former squad. He connected on 13 of 19 passes for 202 yards and a touchdown. Equally impressive as a runner, he topped all players with 73 rushing yards on merely six attempts (an average of 12.2 yards per carry), also securing an additional touchdown.
According to Avery, connecting with LaFleur was a career-defining moment for Willis, ultimately paving the way for his lucrative contract this week.
“LaFleur and his staff in Green Bay excel at coaching every quarterback on the roster,” Avery stated. “By that, I mean many teams prioritize coaching only their starter. LaFleur, however, ensures all his quarterbacks fully comprehend the game. His instruction methods in Tennessee… prevented him from truly grasping how to play the position.”
“I reviewed some game film from his first year in Tennessee with him. His communication style… it didn’t reflect a player with a complete understanding of the game. Malik possesses considerable intelligence, but the method of information delivery created a significant gap.”
“In Green Bay, he earned a masterclass in quarterbacking. That was the catalyst for his elevated performance. Furthermore, playing quarterback is fundamentally different when you feel the unwavering support of everyone around you — not just teammates, but coaches and management too. He found that in Green Bay, and he’ll experience the same in Miami.”
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Naturally, Willis still faces the task of proving his full potential.
While excelling in limited appearances is commendable, the Dolphins require consistent, high-level productivity from him across a demanding 17-game, 18-week regular season.
Willis fully comprehends the expectations placed upon him, according to Avery.
“He’s prepared to elevate his game,” the quarterback coach affirmed. “Should he perform to his capabilities, delivering the same level of play he showed with the Green Bay Packers consistently for 17 weeks, he’ll establish himself as one of the league’s top quarterbacks.”
Avery firmly believes this is Willis’ moment to shine. And should Willis and the Dolphins outpace their rivals, Avery will be among the least surprised.