The Miami Dolphins and free agent quarterback Malik Willis agreed to a three-year, $67.5 million contract on Monday as the NFL opened the 2026 free agency negotiating period. The news of the addition came shortly after news that Miami will release incumbent quarterback Tua Tagovailoa when the new league year officially begins on Wednesday. The Dolphins immediately added their presumed starter to replace Tagovailoa, but what will be the salary cap impact to Willis’ new deal?
According to NFL Network’s
Tom Pelissero, the deal will be kind to the Dolphins in 2026 as the team looks to reset its salary cap this year. The deal will ramp up in 2027, but the Dolphins now have a year to work out the salary cap impacts for that season.
Malik Willis contract details
According to Pelissero, the deal includes $45 million guaranteed over the first two years. The contract includes a $22.5 million signing bonus, while Willis will have a $1.25 million salary in 2026, a $21.5 million salary in 2027, and a $20.5 million salary in 2028. The 2026 and 2027 salaries are fully guaranteed, while there is a $2 million roster bonus if Willis is still on the Dolphins’ roster in March 2028.
Salary cap breakdown
Based on those numbers, Willis’ salary cap impacts should be:
Note: The total value of the contract is reported to be $67.5 million, but the above math adds up to $67.75 million. Where that $250,000 is aligned is unclear at the time of publication (likely wording between salary and bonus).
Note 2: Numbers subject to change should numbers be updated when contract is finalized/signed.
