The Miami Dolphins are in the middle of their 2026 organized team activities at their Baptist Health Training Complex, where the new players and those returning are practicing together for the first time.
After Wednesday’s session, Dolphins running back De’Von Achane met with the media for the first time since signing his four-year extension that made him the third-highest-paid running back in the league.
Local reporters asked who is standing out so far during OTAs, and while Achane mentioned a couple new wideouts, he also called out one who is set to start his third year in South Florida.
“Everybody, man,” Achane said. “Especially the new guys as far as like JT (Jalen Tolbert), Tu (Tutu Atwell), the new additions, but you know, Malik Washington, he’s stepping up in a big way.”
Miami took Washington in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL draft out of Virginia, where he earned All-ACC honors and led the NCAA in receptions in his final season.
After catching 26 passes for 223 yards and serving as the team’s primary punt and kick returner as a rookie, Washington caught 46 passes for 317 yards and three touchdowns in 2025 while continuing his efforts on special teams, which included returning a punt for a touchdown.
With the Dolphins brought in a few wide receivers this offseason, Washington will have to fight for a roster spot on a team with a new head coach and general manager who didn’t bring him into the building.
However, if he plays the way that Achane is talking about him, he should have a job in South Florida in 2026.
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This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: De’Von Achane says returning Dolphins WR has been stepping up in OTAs
Reporting by Mike Masala, Dolphins Wire / Dolphins Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
