GLENDALE – In an absolutely shocking turn of events, the Arizona Cardinals lose out on their top quarterback option in 2026 free agency. Since the end of last season, it was a foregone conclusion that free agent Green Bay Packers QB Malik Willis was signing with the Cardinals. Every reporter in the space was seeing him heading to Arizona on a deal north of $30 million.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!However, on the opening day of free agency, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Willis has agreed with a deal with the Miami Dolphins.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Ravens defeated the Packers 41-24.
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Syndication: Journal Sentinel
Willis heading to South Beach:
General manager Monti Ossenfort’s connection with Willis, starting with the Tennessee Titans, seemed like the smoking gun for the two sides reunion in the Valley. That didn’t come to pass, with NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reporting the deal is a three-year, $67.5 million deal with $45 million guaranteed. Arizona was able to offer a starting role, which leads many to infer that the money was the biggest deal breaker in negotiations.
Feb 3, 2026; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort at a press conference at the Cardinals training facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Reports indicated that Willis was looking for a deal near and above $30 million annual. The Cardinals seemed willingly to pay that price, until the release of former quarterback Kyler Murray. The release gave the franchise a massive cap hit for the 2026 season, making free agency difficult. Ossenfort released three players last week to clear $20 million in cap, but it looks to not be enough as Willis is heading to the Dolphins.
The $22 million annual salary that Willis agreed on could’ve been matched by Arizona, but Miami having no state tax makes that number look ever better for the 26-year-old.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
