NFL insider names Dolphins, Cardinals as teams to watch for $71 million quarterback originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins could both have new starters at quarterback in 2026.

Advertisement

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Cardinals are open to trading Kyler Murray, and the same goes for the Dolphins with Tua Tagovailoa.

With significant change at quarterback possible for both teams, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler named the Cardinals and Dolphins as two teams he’s watching for Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis, who Spotrac projects will land a two-year, $71 million contract in free agency.

“Two teams I’ll be watching to pursue Malik Willis, if they can find someone to take their current quarterbacks, are the Cardinals and Dolphins,” Fowler said.

Advertisement

A former third-round pick of the Tennessee Titans, Willis was shaping up to be a bust after two lackluster seasons to begin his career.

But Willis managed to revive his career in Green Bay, where he played very well in place of an injured Jordan Love over his two years with the Packers.

Now, Willis stands to be one of the most coveted quarterbacks available in free agency this offseason.

Willis has ties to the Dolphins through general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley, both of whom were previously in Green Bay while Willis was there.

Advertisement

In Arizona, the Cardinals’ new head coach, Mike LaFleur, is the brother of Packers head coach Matt LaFleur.

When it comes to unloading their respective quarterbacks, the Cardinals will likely have an easier time trading Murray than the Dolphins will have dealing Tua.

Tagovailoa’s play has declined significantly in recent years and his contract will be harder to move. Miami will also have to take on a massive dead-cap charge if Tua gets cut, which could limit their ability to sign Willis.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, the Cardinals are in a good spot when it comes to cap space, as Arizona is slated to have $42.1 million to work with. Miami has one of the worst cap space situations in the NFL, with the team being $16.4 over the cap.

More NFL news