​The Sporting News originally published this piece about the Miami Dolphins allegedly setting Malik Willis up to fail in the 2026 season. The article notes that the Dolphins made a sizable investment to bring Willis aboard, but the surrounding offensive infrastructure remains underwhelming. It highlights that Willis showed potential in limited action with the Green Bay Packers, yet it is clear he is not a finished product and will require strong support from his team to maximize his abilities. The concern expressed is that the Dolphins are not providing that ideal support system.
A primary gripe centers on the offense around Willis. Jared Dubin of CBS Sports recently evaluated the entire offensive infrastructure of all 32 teams, considering the offensive line, quarterback, pass-catching options, running backs, and play-calling. According to Dubin, the Dolphins finished last in this overall assessment, effectively placing them in a tier of their own. He described a significant gap between Miami and the next-closest team, suggesting the infrastructure around Willis is notably deficient. The critic points specifically to the pass-catching corps as the biggest drag on the unit, with options currently projected to include Jalen Tolbert, Malik Washington, Tutu Atwell, and an injured Chris Bell, plus Greg Dulcich and Will Kacmarek at tight end.
Dubin’s analysis emphasizes that there is a wider-than-usual gulf separating the Dolphins from the No. 31 team, underscoring how bleak the pass-catcher situation appears. If the season began today, the likely starting group could be Tolbert, Atwell, and Washington at wide receiver, none of whom have established themselves as a true WR1, making a breakout in 2026 seem unlikely. At tight end, the group featuring Dulcich, Ben Sims, and Kacmarek offers limited upside, especially after the Dolphins parted ways with Darren Waller, who had a handful of notable plays but did not become a true game-changer for the offense this offseason.
One glimmer of optimism remains: De’Von Achane was re-signed to a long-term contract and is widely regarded as one of the league’s better running backs. If the Dolphins are to have any meaningful success in 2026, achievement from Achane could be a crucial driver. The 2025 season saw Willis appearing in four games for the Packers, with one start, throwing for 422 yards, three passing touchdowns, and zero interceptions, while also rushing for 123 yards and two more scores. The Dolphins rewarded him with a substantial three-year deal, signaling their belief in his potential. However, Willis will need to elevate his play to meet the demands of the new scheme, coaching staff, and surrounding personnel.
The piece also notes that Willis enters 2026 with a new head coach and a revamped offensive staff, a change that could influence his development trajectory. Whether this shift can unlock Willis’s upside remains an open question, but the combination of a thin pass-catching corps and a shaky offensive foundation adds considerable risk to his success in Miami. The discussion invites readers to monitor how the revamped coaching approach and alternative supporting cast might help Willis show the promise he demonstrated in limited Green Bay action, potentially aligning with a more favorable environment for his growth.