This sixth-round pick could be the Dolphins’ No. 1 WR when the 2026 season begins
Malik Washington wasn’t supposed to be here.
The Miami Dolphins wide receiver measured in at 5-foot-8 inches. He was drafted in the sixth round. And he has only three touchdown receptions in his two-year career.
Against all odds, Washington could potentially be the Dolphins’ WR1 ahead of the 2026 NFL season thanks to his growing chemistry with quarterback Malik Willis. Fans in doubt have to look no further than the viral clip from mandatory minicamp in which Willis spun out the pocket and found Washington in the end zone.
“For us, it’s about growth, like kind of getting that chemistry together kind of getting better each and every day,” Washington said. “Him getting a feel for how the routes go, who gets out there break, how they get out their break and just continuing to learn the install together. Kind of doing everything together, taking pride in all of that stuff.”
Washington as the No. 1 receiver was something that likely nobody expected at the end of 2025. The former Virginia standout had just finished a season in which he had 46 receptions for 317 yards receiving and three touchdowns. Sure, Washington’s numbers were better than his rookie outing — 26 catches for 226 yards and no touchdowns through the air — yet they weren’t exactly eye-popping.
Then the Dolphins cut Tyreek Hill.
A month later, the Dolphins subsequently traded Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick, a 2026 third-rounder and a 2026 fourth-round pick swap.
Scan the receivers signed — Jalen Tolbert, TuTu Atwell, Terrace Marshall Jr. and Jalen Reagor — or drafted — Caleb Douglas, Kevin Coleman Jr. and a hobbled Chris Bell – then it makes sense how Washington has emerged as one of Willis’ go-to targets alongside tight end Greg Dulcich. Not only is he familiar with the basics of the offense with Bobby Slowik, a fellow Mike Shannahan disciple, at the helm, he has obviously picked up a thing or two from Waddle and Hill.
“I was obviously privileged enough to be behind two guys that played a lot of football and had a lot of success, so I feel like for me, it’s kind of learning maybe pace of routes, maybe how they attack the game, how they prepare and stuff like that,” Washington said. “I think being able to see it and play behind it, kind of gives me a feel of like ‘I’ve been there before. I’ve seen it happen. I know what works,’ and using that to my advantage.”
Forever humbler, however, Washington is far from declaring himself the WR1.
“For me, it’s like I would love to have that big opportunity,” Washington said. “I would love to get a chance to go showcase my skills, but I just got to be prepared for that moment and seize it.”
Added Washington: “An opportunity only works if you meet it with your preparation and how you go about each and every day.”
As the reps between the Maliks increase, so should the connection. The Dolphins have already purposefully used Washington — and Tolbert — more so with Willis than the other quarterbacks in order to further build their rapport. Even Slowik couldn’t help but point out the connection.
“There are a few guys Malik works with pretty consistently, like Malik Washington, Tolbert’s in there an awful lot,” Slowik said, later adding “I feel like both the receivers and Malik have gotten more confident in what they’re doing, where they’re going to be, how different guys come out of breaks.”
Only one hurdle remains: what will the nickname be?
“There’s like MW2, Malik2,” Washington quipped. “We’ll go with anything — as long as we make it plays together, I’m happy, so it’s good.”
