Willis in Tennessee and Green Bay

Willis began his pro career as a third-round selection (No.86) of the Tennessee Titans, but didn't play much and didn't play particularly well. He owned a 1-2 record having thrown 66 passes with no touchdowns and three interceptions in two seasons.

However, in 2024 Willis received a second chance from the Green Bay Packers, who offered him a backup role behind Jordan Love. He played better in two starts that season, winning both and showing a combination of passing and running which was intriguing. This past season he started in Week 17 against Baltimore and despite a loss, went 18-of-21 for 288 yards and a score and rushed for 60 yards and two more touchdowns.

In this era, where at least six teams are desperate for improved quarterback play, that display was apparently enough to earn him a three-year deal. Actually, a significant reason the Dolphins showed interest in Willis had to be the connection of new Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley (former Packers DC) and new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan (former Packers VP of player personnel). They have seen Willis in more than just those few games, but also in practices every day for the past two seasons.

Willis in Miami

In Miami, he has just two quality weapons; running back De'Von Achane and wideout Jaylen Waddle. Achane is the team's best player, with the ability to run the ball (238-1,350-8) and catch the ball with equal dexterity (67-488-4). His 20.2 FPts/G in 2025 was fifth-best last season. Waddle managed just 64 receptions for 910 yards and six scores, which can likely be blamed on mediocre QB play versus any Waddle declining talent. He began his career with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, but played “second fiddle” to Tyreek Hill the past few seasons.

Hill is gone and Malik Washington, who started six games in his absence last season, didn't show much to excite anyone. Tight end Darren Waller, returning from retirement, also struggled. Meanwhile, Willis' new offensive line ranked 30th of 32 lines and they have been a bottom-of-the-league OL for a few years. That's a lot to overcome, barring significant improvements from free agency (unlikely with the dead cap money situation) and the draft.

Conclusion

Willis' dynamic running along with solid decision making in Green Bay makes for interesting potential. Could he be the next Jayden Daniels? Or is he just a small school college success story (at Liberty where he threw for 5,122 yards and 47 touchdowns over two seasons) who struggled at Auburn and still isn't ready for a full-time NFL quarterbacking role.

This would be a high-risk pick if you are planning on starting him on your fantasy team in 2026. It's the most dangerous word in sports – “potential.” High potential and expectation can be disastrous. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it kills careers for both player and coach. Or… sometimes it just takes longer to find the right combination of player and coach (see Sam Darnold or Baker Mayfield). The combination of a new head coach, new OC, a poor OL and limited weapons on offense, leaves me thinking Willis will NOT be fantasy-worthy in his first season as a starter. But I am willing to review this decision after the draft in case the Dolphins give Willis the necessary help.