​With the departure of former starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the arrival of the presumed 2026-2027 starter Malik Willis, I posed this question last week: As the Dolphins bring in a new regime led by Willis to head the offense, should the coaching staff aim to transition him toward a more traditional pocket passer with above-average mobility, or would you prefer they stick to the offense that has highlighted his strengths up to this point—an option-heavy, run-first identity? Here are some of your responses.
Glen55 prefers keeping things simple for Willis’ first year as a full-time starter. The goal, he says, is not to expose him to unnecessary risk: run a vanilla NFL offense centered on drop-back passing, allow the three young offensive linemen to develop, and give Willis a year of starter experience reading NFL defenses and making plays while he’s evaluated. Looking ahead to 2026, the plan could involve resigning Jackson and maintaining the same line-up, or more likely moving Proctor to right tackle and either drafting a high-quality guard or signing one to replace him. He hopes Savi develops; if not, resign Jackson and keep Proctor where he is, while adding a solid new guard. The aim is to land a powerful back to form a thunder-and-lightning duo and roll out a run-based offense next year with a balanced run-pass option mix. He’s opposed to a heavy usage of Achane this year, feeling his miles should not be burned on a team unlikely to advance much; if the team starts well, that could change.
Gllmiaspr argues the staff will tailor the playbook to the talent at hand, basing it on the supporting cast. He predicts Willis will run a bit more this season because there aren’t established receivers yet. The positives include Willis’s ability to throw deep and pick up first downs, keeping defenses guessing. He doesn’t expect the staff to discourage Willis from running, since he can execute it well, and the Dolphins will need that mobility to stay competitive in several games this year.
USMCFinzFreak advocates staying with what got Willis here, allowing him to showcase his capabilities and limitations. The season should focus on evaluating his true talents or gaps.
TheRoo1 envisions a season that leans heavily on the run, with 25 to 35 percent of plays scripted as short to intermediate passes to keep Willis comfortable. As his confidence grows and his receivers—catch targets—improve, the offense could open up, allowing the full field to come into play. He doubts a pass-heavy approach will emerge this year or next unless Willis becomes a clear exception; he can throw, but his primary weapons should be Achane and Willis’s rushing ability.
SuperG! argues for no changes at all—let Willis continue in the same role he’s established, focusing on SEO-friendly consistency rather than reshaping the offense.