Why Malik Washington has become the Dolphins’ most reliable pass catcher

Miami Dolphins admin October 21, 2026 0 Comments

Why Malik Washington has become the Dolphins’ most reliable pass catcher

The Miami Dolphins’ passing attack has struggled in 2026.

Through five contests, the Dolphins have averaged 153.6 yards passing per game, which ranks 31st in the NFL. Their two passing touchdowns are the lowest total in the league. And quarterback Malik Willis has the 32nd-best passer rating.

Despite the struggles the Dolphins have through the air, wide receiver Malik Washington has begun to emerge as a reliable pass-catching threat. The absence of rookie receiver Caleb Douglas has likely contributed to Washington’s recent success, but even that shouldn’t take away from the obvious: the 25-year-old has been Miami’s best wideout in 2026.

“I’m just trying to be a football player and trying to help in any way I can, doing whatever they’re asking me,” Washington said. “I’m not going to turn down anything they’re asking me. So I’m just trying to be prepared and ready for whatever they want.”

A large part of Washington’s success has to do with continuity. The Dolphins selected the former Virginia standout in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and his basic understanding of the playbook even then allowed him to find the field as a rookie. That he has been able to essentially have three years in this offense — keep in mind, previous coach Mike McDaniel and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik have a similar scheme — means he’s the most comfortable with his assignment.

“He’s been around the longest,” Willis said. “He has the best grasp of the offense as far as guys who actually been able to get out there and do it. He’s been here, what, three years, and I think he’s done a great job progressing. I mean, that’s the point that Caleb and Chris and Kevin and all the other guys are trying to get to within this system. It’s just finding a way to be comfortable in what you’re doing and you can go out there and be confident and you can just play fast.”

Through five games, Washington has 23 receptions for 262 yards, both of which lead all Dolphins receivers. His nine first downs are also a team high.

“He’s a good route runner,” coach Jeff Hafley said of Washington. “He had a couple of really good routes versus man [against the Cincinnati Bengals] where there was great separation created and then the catch-and-run element. He’s got the ability to catch the ball and he’s got a good awareness of where people are in space when he gets the ball, and he has the ability to make people miss.”

Another wrinkle in Washington’s game has been on full display in the weeks following a season-ending injury to star running back De’Von Achane.

“He’s done it in his career, whether it’s lining up in two-back looks, catching the ball out of the backfield,” Hafley said of Washington’s ability to line up at running back. “He’s really good with the ball in his hands, and he’s very smart. We know that he can go in there and handle the position. I give him a ton of credit and I have a ton of respect for him.”

Washington has posted a modest stat line — 26 yards rushing on five carries — yet his ability to line up in backfield further showcases his mastery of the playbook. Throw in that he has accounted for nearly 50% of Willis’ passing yards during the last two games and it’s no wonder that Washington rarely leaves the field on offense.

With Douglas back at practice Wednesday, Washington might not account for roughly half of Willis’ output anytime soon. The rookie has been a favorite target of Willis since training camp.

Still, Washington’s on pace for a career year, something that will only benefit the offense as they look to get their passing attack back on track.