Malik Washington praised quarterback Malik Willis of the Miami Dolphins for his impressive zip and command during informal workouts. Washington highlighted Willis' quick release and ability to lead the offense effectively.
Key points
Malik Washington praises Malik Willis' performance
Willis has a quick release and strong zip on the ball
Dolphins signed Willis as an upside starting quarterback
Willis has organized informal workouts with teammates
Washington highlights Willis' command of the offense
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-Wisconsin
Q&A
What did Malik Washington say about Malik Willis?
Malik Washington praised Malik Willis for his quick release, strong zip on the ball, and ability to command the offense.
Why did the Miami Dolphins sign Malik Willis?
The Miami Dolphins signed Malik Willis to be an upside starting quarterback, hoping to leverage his skills for the team's success.
How has Malik Willis been preparing with the Dolphins?
Malik Willis has organized informal throwing sessions and workouts with his teammates to build chemistry ahead of the season.
What are the key attributes of Malik Willis mentioned by Washington?
Washington mentioned Willis' quick release, strong zip on the ball, and his ability to effectively command the offense.
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Dec 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 Images
Dec 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 Images
CHICAGO, 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 Images
Green 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 Sports
Aug 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 Sports
Green 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-Wisconsin
Dec 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 Images
EAST 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)
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Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo gallery
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.
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Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo gallery
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.
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Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo gallery
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-Wisconsin
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Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo gallery
Dec 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 Images
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Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo gallery
Dec 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 Images
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Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo gallery
CHICAGO, 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)
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Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo gallery
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 Images
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Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo gallery
Green 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.
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Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo gallery
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)
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Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo gallery
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 Sports
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Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo gallery
Aug 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 Sports
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Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo gallery
Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo gallery
Green 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-Wisconsin
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Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo gallery
Dec 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 Images
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Dolphins add QB Malik Willis: Retrospective career photo gallery
EAST 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.
Aug 23, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington (6) breaks a tackle against Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Chad Muma (48) during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Aug 23, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington (6) breaks a tackle against Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Chad Muma (48) during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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."
