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Miami Dolphins Face Quarterback Question as Malik Willis Solidifies Starting Role Amid Anthony Richardson Trade Rumors
The Miami Dolphins have officially named Malik Willis the starting quarterback for the 2026 season, putting an end to the week‑long debate that had fans and analysts buzzing. Willis, who arrived in Miami in 2024 via trade from the Green Bay Packers, has shown a steady progression in his play, and the coaching staff has expressed confidence in his ability to lead the offense.
Willis’s status as starter was reinforced during the first two weeks of training camp, where he completed a high percentage of passes and demonstrated the mobility that the Dolphins’ offensive scheme relies on. In contrast, backup quarterback Quinn Ewers—who had limited success in the 2025 season—has struggled to find consistency in camp. Cam Miller, the third quarterback on the depth chart, has not yet shown the same level of athleticism as Willis.
The Dolphins’ decision to keep Willis at the helm comes at a time when the team is exploring potential roster moves to strengthen its quarterback room. One name that has surfaced in trade discussions is Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson. Richardson, a fourth‑overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, suffered an orbital fracture during a pre‑game warm‑up in October 2025, an injury that required hospitalization and left him temporarily inactive for a game.
According to reports, Richardson returned to practice in December 2025 after a two‑month recovery period. However, the injury has raised concerns about his long‑term vision and durability. The Colts have not yet announced a definitive plan for Richardson, and the Dolphins’ front office has indicated that they are monitoring the situation.
The Dolphins’ interest in Richardson appears to be focused on a waiver claim rather than a trade. The team’s general manager has stated that claiming a player on waivers would be a low‑risk move that could add depth without committing significant cap space. This approach would allow the Dolphins to evaluate Richardson’s health and performance in a controlled environment.
The potential addition of Richardson would provide the Dolphins with a dual‑threat quarterback who has demonstrated a strong arm and athleticism in college. Richardson’s college career at Florida included several high‑volume passing games, and his speed and mobility could complement the Dolphins’ existing offensive weapons.
However, the Dolphins’ coaching staff has emphasized that any new quarterback would need to fit within the team’s offensive philosophy. Head coach Mike McDaniel’s system emphasizes a balanced attack that relies on both passing and rushing, and the staff has expressed confidence that Willis’s skill set aligns with that approach.
The Dolphins’ roster moves will also be influenced by the team’s need to address other positions. The AFC East division remains competitive, and the Dolphins are preparing for a challenging schedule that includes matchups against the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and New York Jets.
In addition to the quarterback situation, the Dolphins are also monitoring the health of other key players. The team’s offensive line has been a focus of offseason acquisitions, and the coaching staff is working to improve protection for Willis.
The Colts’ decision to keep Richardson on the roster will also be closely watched. If Richardson’s vision issues persist, the Colts may consider a trade or release, which could open a window for the Dolphins to claim him on waivers.
The Dolphins’ front office has not yet made a public statement about a potential claim, but the team’s willingness to consider a low‑risk addition reflects its broader strategy of building depth while managing cap space.
As the Dolphins enter the final weeks of training camp, the focus will remain on Willis’s performance and the team’s ability to secure a stable offensive unit. The coaching staff will also evaluate the health and readiness of backup quarterbacks and other key contributors.
The NFL’s waiver system allows teams to claim players who are released or placed on waivers, and the Dolphins’ interest in Richardson highlights the team’s proactive approach to roster management. Whether the Dolphins ultimately claim Richardson or pursue other options remains to be seen, but the organization’s emphasis on depth and flexibility is clear.
The Dolphins’ upcoming preseason games will provide further insight into the quarterback room and overall team readiness. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Willis performs against the Colts’ defensive line and whether the team’s depth chart remains stable as the regular season approaches.
The Dolphins’ strategy of building a dynamic offense around Malik Willis, while keeping options open for additional depth, positions the team to compete in a tough division. The outcome of the potential Richardson claim will add another layer of intrigue to the Dolphins’ roster decisions heading into the 2026 season.
Willis’s status as starter was reinforced during the first two weeks of training camp, where he completed a high percentage of passes and demonstrated the mobility that the Dolphins’ offensive scheme relies on. In contrast, backup quarterback Quinn Ewers—who had limited success in the 2025 season—has struggled to find consistency in camp. Cam Miller, the third quarterback on the depth chart, has not yet shown the same level of athleticism as Willis.
The Dolphins’ decision to keep Willis at the helm comes at a time when the team is exploring potential roster moves to strengthen its quarterback room. One name that has surfaced in trade discussions is Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson. Richardson, a fourth‑overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, suffered an orbital fracture during a pre‑game warm‑up in October 2025, an injury that required hospitalization and left him temporarily inactive for a game.
According to reports, Richardson returned to practice in December 2025 after a two‑month recovery period. However, the injury has raised concerns about his long‑term vision and durability. The Colts have not yet announced a definitive plan for Richardson, and the Dolphins’ front office has indicated that they are monitoring the situation.
The Dolphins’ interest in Richardson appears to be focused on a waiver claim rather than a trade. The team’s general manager has stated that claiming a player on waivers would be a low‑risk move that could add depth without committing significant cap space. This approach would allow the Dolphins to evaluate Richardson’s health and performance in a controlled environment.
The potential addition of Richardson would provide the Dolphins with a dual‑threat quarterback who has demonstrated a strong arm and athleticism in college. Richardson’s college career at Florida included several high‑volume passing games, and his speed and mobility could complement the Dolphins’ existing offensive weapons.
However, the Dolphins’ coaching staff has emphasized that any new quarterback would need to fit within the team’s offensive philosophy. Head coach Mike McDaniel’s system emphasizes a balanced attack that relies on both passing and rushing, and the staff has expressed confidence that Willis’s skill set aligns with that approach.
The Dolphins’ roster moves will also be influenced by the team’s need to address other positions. The AFC East division remains competitive, and the Dolphins are preparing for a challenging schedule that includes matchups against the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and New York Jets.
In addition to the quarterback situation, the Dolphins are also monitoring the health of other key players. The team’s offensive line has been a focus of offseason acquisitions, and the coaching staff is working to improve protection for Willis.
The Colts’ decision to keep Richardson on the roster will also be closely watched. If Richardson’s vision issues persist, the Colts may consider a trade or release, which could open a window for the Dolphins to claim him on waivers.
The Dolphins’ front office has not yet made a public statement about a potential claim, but the team’s willingness to consider a low‑risk addition reflects its broader strategy of building depth while managing cap space.
As the Dolphins enter the final weeks of training camp, the focus will remain on Willis’s performance and the team’s ability to secure a stable offensive unit. The coaching staff will also evaluate the health and readiness of backup quarterbacks and other key contributors.
The NFL’s waiver system allows teams to claim players who are released or placed on waivers, and the Dolphins’ interest in Richardson highlights the team’s proactive approach to roster management. Whether the Dolphins ultimately claim Richardson or pursue other options remains to be seen, but the organization’s emphasis on depth and flexibility is clear.
The Dolphins’ upcoming preseason games will provide further insight into the quarterback room and overall team readiness. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Willis performs against the Colts’ defensive line and whether the team’s depth chart remains stable as the regular season approaches.
The Dolphins’ strategy of building a dynamic offense around Malik Willis, while keeping options open for additional depth, positions the team to compete in a tough division. The outcome of the potential Richardson claim will add another layer of intrigue to the Dolphins’ roster decisions heading into the 2026 season.
