\u201cFor us, it\u2019s about growth, like kind of getting that chemistry together kind of getting better each and every day,\u201d Washington said. \u201cHim 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019s numbers<\/a> were better than his rookie outing \u2014 26 catches for 226 yards and no touchdowns through the air \u2014 yet they weren\u2019t exactly eye-popping.<\/p>\n Then the Dolphins cut Tyreek Hill.<\/p>\n A month later, the Dolphins subsequently traded<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Scan the receivers signed \u2014 Jalen Tolbert, TuTu Atwell, Terrace Marshall Jr. and Jalen Reagor \u2014 or drafted \u2014 Caleb Douglas, Kevin Coleman Jr. and a hobbled Chris Bell \u2013 then it makes sense how Washington has emerged as one of Willis\u2019 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI 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\u2019s kind of learning maybe pace of routes, maybe how they attack the game, how they prepare and stuff like that,\u201d Washington said. \u201cI think being able to see it and play behind it, kind of gives me a feel of like \u2018I\u2019ve been there before. I\u2019ve seen it happen. I know what works,\u2019 and using that to my advantage.\u201d<\/p>\n Forever humbler, however, Washington is far from declaring himself the WR1.<\/p>\n \u201cFor me, it\u2019s like I would love to have that big opportunity,\u201d Washington said. \u201cI would love to get a chance to go showcase my skills, but I just got to be prepared for that moment and seize it.\u201d<\/p>\n Added Washington: \u201cAn opportunity only works if you meet it with your preparation and how you go about each and every day.\u201d<\/p>\n As the reps between the Maliks increase, so should the connection. The Dolphins have already purposefully used Washington \u2014 and Tolbert \u2014 more so with Willis than the other quarterbacks in order to further build their rapport. Even Slowik couldn\u2019t help but point out the connection.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are a few guys Malik works with pretty consistently, like Malik Washington, Tolbert\u2019s in there an awful lot,\u201d Slowik said, later adding \u201cI feel like both the receivers and Malik have gotten more confident in what they\u2019re doing, where they\u2019re going to be, how different guys come out of breaks.\u201d<\/p>\n Only one hurdle remains: what will the nickname be?<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s like MW2, Malik2,\u201d Washington quipped. \u201cWe\u2019ll go with anything \u2014 as long as we make it plays together, I\u2019m happy, so it\u2019s good.\u201d<\/p>\n
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