A QB Domino Falls
In some ways, the Miami decision will hit as good news for Minnesota.
Consider the update, as Ian Rapoport relays: “Sources: The #Dolphins are signing #Packers QB Malik Willis, as a new QB has landed in Miami. He gets a 3-year, $67.5M deal with $45M fully guaranteed.” Very cheap, all things considered. Many people expected Willis to demand much more.
Vikings See a QB Domino Fall
At least in a general sense, Mr. Willis made sense for the Vikings.
He has proven to be resilient and hard working. Things didn’t go particularly well with the Titans, but the still-young veteran went to work as a depth passer with the Packers. His on-field abilities were limited but he did excellently in limited chances. Bringing him to town to compete with J.J. McCarthy made at least some sense.
Working against Minnesota is the team’s money, or lack thereof.
Much has been done in recent days to inject cap space into the mix. Nevertheless, the Vikings can’t walk away from too many bidding wars victorious. Money disappears fast in free agency, meaning that low-to-medium cap space vanishes quicker than Alec Pierce gets down the field.
The good news for the Vikings merely rests in taking a QB opening off the board.
The NFL is going to see Kirk Cousins, Tua Tagovailoa, Geno Smith, and Kyler Murray (among others) set free to push for a starting spot in a new location in 2026. The Dolphins stood out as a top spot for a new passer but that’s no longer the case. Willis filled the open job.
The Steelers stand out as a top spot for a quarterback. The Jets need a new starter, too, but who wants to play for the Jets?
Somehow, the Vikings need to find a way to arrive at competent QB play in 2026. Theories abound for what that means since only J.J. McCarthy and Max Brosmer are on the roster. What’s not up for debate is the need for a strong competitor to go toe-to-toe with Minnesota’s unproven, young QB room.
Look for Kyler Murray and/or someone else to be added before too long.
Willis is a Dolphin. Green Bay is now shakier at quarterback. Minnesota is now in a better spot to bring in a top talent at QB.
