Malik Washington of the Miami Dolphins was speaking recently with fellow wide receiver Theo Wease about early impressions already made by quarterback Malik Willis.
The Dolphins signed Willis to be an upside starting quarterback and Willis has already gotten some of the guys together for informal throwing and workouts.
"The release that he has, how quick it is, how well he gets the ball out," Washington said in a meeting with local reporters. "We all know he can run as well. Yeah, it was just a combination of those things is kind of what's made him a great player for a long time now. He just has a good zip on the ball. He knows what he's doing. He knows how to command an offense."
Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) during warmups prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field in Green Bay on Dec. 27, 2025.Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Seahawks 20-7. Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-WisconsinDec 20, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) throws a pass against the Chicago Bears during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn ImagesDec 27, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) high-fives fans after a touchdown during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn ImagesCHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 20: Malik Willis #2 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after throwing a touchdown pass against the Chicago Bears during the third quarter at Soldier Field on December 20, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesGreen Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) is forced out of the pocket against the Tennessee Titans during their game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 23: Malik Willis #2 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after a touchdown was scored against the New Orleans Saints by Emanuel Wilson during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field on December 23, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)Oct 15, 2023; London, United Kingdom; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (24) sacks Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis (7) during the second half of an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY SportsAug 11, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis (7) cuts in front of Baltimore Ravens linebacker Malik Harrison (40) during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY SportsBrowns NFL free agency target Malik Willis. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn ImagesGreen Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) spins out of a tackle by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Ravens won the game, 41-24. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-WisconsinDec 27, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn ImagesEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 16: Malik Willis #2 of the Green Bay Packers runs with the ball during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on November 16, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)1 / 14Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo galleryGreen Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) during warmups prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field in Green Bay on Dec. 27, 2025.1 / 14Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo galleryGreen Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) during warmups prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field in Green Bay on Dec. 27, 2025.2 / 14Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo galleryGreen Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Seahawks 20-7. Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin3 / 14Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo galleryDec 20, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) throws a pass against the Chicago Bears during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images4 / 14Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo galleryDec 27, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) high-fives fans after a touchdown during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images5 / 14Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo galleryCHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 20: Malik Willis #2 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after throwing a touchdown pass against the Chicago Bears during the third quarter at Soldier Field on December 20, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)6 / 14Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo galleryOct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images7 / 14Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo galleryGreen Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) is forced out of the pocket against the Tennessee Titans during their game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.8 / 14Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo galleryGREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 23: Malik Willis #2 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after a touchdown was scored against the New Orleans Saints by Emanuel Wilson during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field on December 23, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)9 / 14Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo galleryOct 15, 2023; London, United Kingdom; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (24) sacks Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis (7) during the second half of an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports10 / 14Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo galleryAug 11, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis (7) cuts in front of Baltimore Ravens linebacker Malik Harrison (40) during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports11 / 14Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo galleryBrowns NFL free agency target Malik Willis. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images12 / 14Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo galleryGreen Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) spins out of a tackle by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Ravens won the game, 41-24. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin13 / 14Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo galleryDec 27, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images14 / 14Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo galleryEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 16: Malik Willis #2 of the Green Bay Packers runs with the ball during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on November 16, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)Washington senses leadership skills from Willis.
"Yeah, he did reach out to me like right after he signed, he texted me," Washington said, adding, "He's that type of person to have us all on one accord and have us moving smoothly. I think he wants to work. And I think he's gonna make sure that everybody else that's lining up on Sundays with him wants to work as well."
The week of the NFL Draft, coach Jeff Hafley has had the team together for a three-day voluntary minicap. Washington is in a very unproven room that includes Jalen Tolbert and Tutu Atwell.
"Each guy in that room knows there's a little bit of a chip on their shoulder," Washington said. "We all want to be the guy. We all wanted to bring in the targets and, um, you know, play well on Sundays."
Washington had a career-high 46 catches, 317 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns in his second season in the league. He averaged only 6.9 yards per reception, however, because he was constantly used on short screens and swing passes.
Washington can surely do more, even if he's primarily in the slot.
"I try to bring that same intensity in every single drill, every single rep," Washington said. "I try to be at the front of the line. I try to be that leader in that room. I try to showcase my skill set. I know my strengths and the things I can get better at. So I think it's attacking that each and every day to just kind of separate myself."
Washington, 25, should receive more targets following the departure of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Washington recalled where he was when he learned Waddle has been dealt to Denver.
"I was here. It was post workout," Washington said. "And I was scrolling on my phone. Some people sent it to me, their opinions and their thoughts, but just a little shocked initially and stuff, but at the end of the day, happy for him to get an opportunity, happy for him to get a chance to go out and play and do what he loves to do. I'm excited for the opportunity in the room for some guys to showcase what they can do as well."
Washington said he had a chance to say goodbye to Waddle.
"He's become a brother of mine, over the course of the years," Washington said. "He's taught me so much as a receiver, as a leader, and as just a person in the room."
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Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami's Malik Washington on Malik Willis' quick release, Jaylen Waddle