Former Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Terron Armstead weighed on the possibility of adding Malik Willis, but offered a unique take on the situation.
The Miami Dolphins continue to be linked to pending free agent Malik Willis, which is in large part due to his current team being the Green Bay Packers, and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley coming over from the organization.
Despite the deep connections Dolphins are in a full rebuild and may not be able to afford the projected $20+ million that analysts believe Willis may fetch. While many believe a big contract is on the board, former Miami offensive lineman Terron Armstead has a different take on the situation.
One of the glaring issues with offering Willis a contract that is near or exceeds $20 million per season is the number of starts and snaps he has taken under center. Through five seasons, he has five starts.
Willis has mostly been a backup, but he did show some huge skills when taking over for the injured Jordan Love in 2025. That might not be enough for most teams to want to take a risk on a large contract, and Armstead believes the quarterback may not be able to leverage a big deal.
When Armstead joined "The Rich Eisen Show," he was asked about the connection that Willis would have if he joined the Dolphins, mainly that of Hafley.
"I think that plays a part. I think Malik Willis is that insurance plan. I'm looking at that talent, man. I've seen him come in at different times and run that Green Bay Packers offense, and look exceptional and look the part. I can only imagine with a full offseason, full training camp, full preaseason, what that would look like, and how much better he'll be, how much more comfortable he'll be. His athleticism jumps off the film. I think having Malik Willis in their back pocket, especially with his price tag, cause he can't ask for too much cause he hasn't had too many snaps ..." Armstead said.
While most analysts are predicting that Willis may get a deal that is near $40 million total, Armstead went the other way with it. He is alluding to the fact that since the quarterback has not had many starts, he should not be getting a big contract.
Now, that is not to say a quarterback-needy team like the Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers, or more might want to pay that $40+ million, but they would also be taking on a major risk.
Willis has the makings of a starter, but to give him the chance at a full season has not yet happened all the way. Should his market not be where most people believe it is, the Dolphins could swoop in and land the dynamic dual-threat passer.