Miami Dolphins slot receiver Malik Washington had a solid second season, posting career highs and finishing third on the team in receptions and fourth in receiving yards and touchdowns. Washington hauled in 46 receptions for 317 yards and three touchdowns in 17 games and six starts. He also averaged 5.4 yards per average depth of target and 6.9 yards per reception, posted one drop, gained 262 yards after the catch, went 5-for-9 on contested catches, and recorded an 87.9 passer rating.
In his third season, Malik Washington will compete against Jalen Tolbert, Caleb Douglas, and Tutu Atwell for the Dolphins’ top receiver role. If he is not the top target in 2026, he is at the very least, expected to start in the slot. Washington has the advantage among the group because he is the team’s leading returning wide receiver from last year.
The Miami Dolphins fourth-leading receiver from 2025 named an X-factor for 2026
Aug 23, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington (6) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
In a FOX Sports article, Ben Arthur identified each AFC team’s biggest X-factor for the 2026 season. For the Dolphins, he named Malik Washington, highlighting that he is currently the team’s leading returning wide receiver. Arthur also noted that although De’Von Achane will steal most of the shine, Washington’s continued development could provide a massive spark for Malik Willis.
“In Miami’s underwhelming receivers room, Malik Washington may be the biggest bright spot. The third-year pro’s 317 receiving yards last season topped all current Dolphins wide receivers. His continued growth would provide a big boost to new Miami quarterback Malik Willis in the pass game, and give opposing defenses another weapon to worry about outside of star running back De’Von Achane,” Arthur said.
Jeff Hafley was impressed by the slot receiver this spring
“I think that’s a group that I want to see who can continue to get better, learn the offense, run routes, what their skill set is,” Hafley said, via Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN NFL Nation. “Whether it’s Malik (Washington) in the slot; I think he’s done a really good job with the catch and run. I think he’s getting better as a route runner.”
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