Dolphins wideout identified as x-factor for 2026

The Miami Dolphins are set to start their first training camp under new head coach Jeff Hafley in roughly a month, and there are a lot of questions that the team will have to answer before Week 1.

Among those questions is who will be the most dependable weapon for new quarterback Malik Willis to rely on in the wide receiver room after the team moved on from Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle this offseason.

While there are plenty of new weapons who joined the team this offseason, FOX Sports’ Ben Arthur recently identified Malik Washington as the biggest x-factor for the team in 2026.

“In Miami’s underwhelming receivers room, Malik Washington may be the biggest bright spot,” Arthur wrote. “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.”

Washington has familiarity with new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s system and brings an explosive aspect to both the offense and special teams that could really help the team this year.

This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins WR Malik Washington identified as x-factor for 2026