New team, same Malik Willis.
The former Green Bay Packers quarterback played just one series as the new starter for the Miami Dolphins in their preseason opener against the Washington Commanders on Friday, Aug. 14.
And he displayed similar traits as he did with the Packers over the last couple of years as a backup.
He looked poised in the pocket, used his legs when he needed to on scrambles and made a deep throw while leading a 14-play, 93-yard touchdown drive.
Willis' final stat line on the night: 4-of-5 passing with 52 yards and a quarterback rating of 102.5, plus two carries.
Sound familiar?
In his last game starting for the Packers in Week 17 last year while filling in for an injured Jordan Love, Willis also led an opening touchdown drive against the Baltimore Ravens. It was a game under the lights before a nationally televised audience that likely further put him on the radar of general managers everywhere.
Willis spent the last two years as Love's backup and usually rose to the occasion when called upon during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
His performances put him as one of the top free agents this offseason. The Dolphins signed Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million contract to take over at QB as the franchise parted ways with former first-round pick Tua Tagovailoa.
The Dolphins are in rebuild mode in 2026 with not only Willis at QB but also former Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley as the new head coach.
Willis, Hafley and the Dolphins come to Lambeau Field during the regular season to face the Packers in a Week 15 game on Sunday, Dec. 20.
Malik Willis stats
Here were Willis' stats in the preseason opener against the Commanders:
- Completions: 4
- Attempts: 5
- Passing Yards: 43 yards
- Rating: 102.5
- Carries: 2 carries
- Rushing Yards: 9 yards
Malik Willis led the Dolphins to a TD on his only drive of the game in his Miami preseason debut 🐬 pic.twitter.com/2g7l9zquFX
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) August 14, 2026
Malik Willis, Dolphins highlights
One of Willis' four completions came on a 28-yard highlight-reel grab from Caleb Douglas on a third down.
The Commanders were called for defensive pass interference but the Dolphins declined the penalty and continued marching down the field.
Seven plays later, they were in the end zone on a De’Von Achane 1-yard TD.
What a way to start the game 🤯@malikwillis ➡️ @Caedeezypic.twitter.com/Uane3p5fyy
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) August 14, 2026
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Ex-Packers QB Malik Willis impresses in Dolphins debut, see highlights