Malik

Washington

Malik Willis, Hafley said during a Tuesday presser, is still building chemistry with the team’s pass catchers in OTAs and working on timing. That presumably includes Malik Washington, who had 46 catches for 317 yards and three scores last season, and Greg Dulcich, who’s expected by Miami beat writers to “figure heavily” into the team’s passing attack in 2026. Jalen Tolbert and Tutu Atwell could also see heavy snaps in the Miami passing game this season. Tolbert, who flashed in Dallas in 2024 with 610 yards and seven touchdowns, could emerge as the Dolphins’ top pass-catching option with a solid training camp. There likely won’t be much target volume to go around, however, considering the team’s plans to operate a run-heavy offense.

Kelly’s assessment might just be an indictment of the Dolphins’ other wide receivers. To be fair, Kelly also notes that Washington “has been praised in the past for his ability to learn and execute the offense.” Regardless, Washington seems to be in the driver’s seat at the moment. If he is going to be anything more than a matchup-based WR5/FLEX slot receiver, though, Washington will need to earn a role in two-wide receiver sets.

Washington was the Dolphins’ No. 1 receiver with Jaylen Waddle resting his sore mid-section for the season finale, but the short-handed ‘Fins had a rough go of it with Quinn Ewers under center. A hyped 2024 Day 3 rookie, Washington didn’t do much his first year in the league but was more involved as a sophomore. At least it felt that way. Washington ultimately out-touched his rookie self “just” 58-31, but he was the Dolphins’ clear No. 2 wideout following Tyreek Hill’s season-ending leg injury. More of a gadget player than actual target commander, Washington would ideally be a No. 4 wideout, one without much of a long-term ceiling in dynasty leagues.

Washington also had one carry for one yard. His first reception of the day was a screen pass he took for 27 yards that was called back due to holding. He also saw a pair of deep targets that fell incomplete from Quinn Ewers. Washington has a short-yardage slot role that earns him some screen passes, but nothing more. Despite being the No. 2 wide receiver in the Dolphins offense, Washington should be off fantasy radars for Week 18 against the Patriots.

Washington’s fourth quarter catch was his only target, and it came with the ‘Fins trailing 45-14. His rushing score came on a second quarter sweep. It was the second of his career. Washington has tacked 15 rushes onto a consistent receptions floor this season, but he wasn’t spiking any weeks with Tua Tagovailoa, and there is no reason to expect that to change with Quinn Ewers. He will not be a top-50 option for the fantasy finals vs. Tampa.

The Dolphins passing game was not needed after the first quarter against the Jets, leaving Washington to total 10 yards on four targets for the game. Nothing new here, Washington is the screen/check-down wide receiver and clear No. 2 pass-catcher on the team. Higher volume passing games could certainly give him a good PPR fantasy game, but Washington is a touchdown-dependent WR5 heading into Week 15 against the Steelers.

It’s the same story almost every week for Washington. He is the team’s clear No. 2 receiver, but his job consists exclusively of check-down targets, crushing his yardage ceiling. Washington led the Dolphins in catches this week and was held under 50 yards yet again. He hasn’t hit 50 yards in a game this year. Washington is a no-ceiling WR6 for the Dolphins’ Week 14 game against the Jets.

Washington hasn’t caught more than three passes in a game since Week 8. He has one game over four catches and has yet to reach 50 yards in a week. Washington is the clear WR2 in Miami and that’s just not worth very much with Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane soaking up targets. He is stuck in the WR4/5 ranks heading into Miami’s bye.

Washington operated as the Dolphins’ No. 2 receiver once again and found the end zone for the second time in the past three weeks. The bad news is that his yardage ceiling remains in the basement. Washington has a season-high of 48 receiving yards and has topped 36 yards just once. He is a low-upside WR5 heading into a Week 11 game against the Commanders.

Washington also lost a fourth quarter fumble in a red zone pileup at the Ravens’ 14-yard line. Not ideal. His 48 yards receiving were at least a new season high after he reached that number twice as a rookie. Decent enough, but Washington is still stuck on 3-6 weekly targets even after Tyreek Hill was lost for the season. WR4 value is not materializing. Maybe that will change for Week 10 for a Bills contest where the Dolphins will undoubtedly have to throw more than they would like.