Andrew Buller-Russ
Casual Miami Dolphins tuning in for the first time in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season won’t recognize many of the players set for featured roles in Jeff Hafley’s first year as head coach. The Dolphins’ biggest and most recognizable stars are all gone.
While general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan insists that the team still has a trio of cornerstones in De’Von Achane, Aaron Brewer, and Jordyn Brooks, now there will be plentiful opportunities for other stars to emerge. One of the candidates is already off to a good start.
Recently, the Miami Herald‘s Dolphins insider Omar Kelly reported that third-year receiver Malik Washington is off to a great start learning Bobby Slowik’s offense. While Slowik was part of Mike McDaniel’s staff last season, now he’s been promoted from senior pass game coordinator to offensive coordinator and obviously now has a much bigger role in crafting the offense, which Washington has taken a liking to.
“Washington, who has been praised in the past for his ability to learn and execute the offense, seems to be grasping Miami’s playbook faster than the rest of his fellow receivers. That explains why he has become one of Willis’ favorite targets in the practices the media has watched. But to get the most out of Washington, who averaged 6.9 yards per reception (46) last season, he needs to step out of the slot receiver role. Washington must show he can make plays as a split end or a flanker, which would allow the third-year receiver to be on the field more consistently.”
Omar Kelly on Malik Washington’s progress
Washington arrived as the 184th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the Dolphins. While Washington was stuck behind stars like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in his first two seasons, their presence also gave him the chance to learn from a pair of Pro Bowl receivers.
Washington recorded 26 receptions for 223 yards in three starts across 14 appearances as a rookie. His numbers slightly improved in his second season, where Washington hauled in 46 receptions for 317 yards and three touchdowns in 2025. But now the 25-year-old appears to be in line to perform even better.
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