Miami Dolphins receiver Malik Washington is entering his third year with the team and is ready for a more expanded role in the offense.
Miami Dolphins receiver Malik Washington is set for his third year in the NFL, and the chance for more opportunities with the team.
After initially being drafted in 2024 out of Virginia, he appeared in 14 games, securing 223 yards on 26 receptions. In 2025, he was more used in rotational situations and as a punt returner. He secured 317 yards and three touchdowns through the air, and also had a solid 74-yard touchdown return in Week 2.
Washington has the chance to become a fixture on the Dolphins' offense, especially with the host of unproven veterans that have been brought over. When speaking to the media, the receiver spoke on his connection with Malik Willis, and getting more opportunities in 2026.
"Yeah, we're trying to," Washington said of meeting up with Willis off the field. "And like anytime we have the opportunity, we were just at his house just watching the game and stuff like that. So, he's doing a good job leading us and getting us together and all it takes is us to just put our part in and meet him where he's at."
Willis has been praised for his leadership thus far, and one of the main things he has done is attempt to get the receivers together to work on their game. Washington has seen the leadership qualities that have led to some good chemistry for the pair between OTAs and minicamp.
The coaching change and Jeff Hafley taking over have led Washington to believe this is a fresh start for himself and other players, which he plans to take full advantage of.
"Yeah. I think it's open mind open ears and just being focused on learning you know like not thinking like 'Oh well we did it like this last year' or having that feeling of any entitlement, like it's a fresh start, it's a brand new opportunity taking advantage of that you know listening and doing whatever I need to do to be a part of what he wants," Washington said.
As stated, there are a lot of players that were brought in during free agency, many of whom are in the wide receiver department. Despite a lot of competition in the room, it is a chance for Washington to separate himself without dwelling on any potential interferences.
"Yeah. I think if you let outside circumstances change your compet your your level of competition, how you approach work each and every day, it'll never be good enough. So, I think everybody should have the mindset of like I was going to compete anyway. I don't care who was here, who stayed, and who came in," Washington said.
The good aspect of the many players that have come in for the Dolphins are that any one of them can emerge as a playmaker if they work hard enough and show those skills.
It will be interesting to see who Willis builds the most chemistry with. Washington has emerged as one of those targets, as has tight end Greg Dulcich and fellow receiver Tutu Atwell.
Miami's offense is not expected to be a strong suit, but there could be some surprises if the team can meld together in a significant way when training camp begins at the end of July.
