The Miami Dolphins have officially moved on from eight-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Tyreek Hill, ending one of the most electric and turbulent stretches in franchise history. According to Adam Schefter, Miami released Hill, saving $22.8 million against the salary cap and signaling a full transition into a new era.
Hill’s four-year run in Miami was defined by extremes. His first two seasons were historic: 119 catches in both years, over 1,700 receiving yards in each campaign, 20 total touchdowns, and back-to-back first-team All-Pro selections. The Dolphins made the playoffs both seasons.
But the tone shifted in 2024. Injuries to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa disrupted the offense, and Hill’s production dipped to 81 receptions for 959 yards and six touchdowns. Then came the Week 18 moment when he removed himself from the game and publicly declared, “I’m out, bro,” after Miami missed the playoffs.
Though tensions cooled publicly, a torn ACL and dislocated knee ended his 2025 season after just four games. With new head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan reshaping the roster, the Dolphins chose cap flexibility and cultural reset over star power.
Why the Dolphins Moved On
Financially, the decision was straightforward. Hill turns 32 on March 1 and was due significant guaranteed money. Releasing him frees up $22.8 million in cap space, critical for a team entering a rebuild.
Miami is re-establishing its identity. The franchise has already parted ways with other veteran pieces and appears to be reassessing its quarterback situation. Today, they also released veterans Bradley Chubb and James Daniels as well. Keeping a high-priced, aging receiver coming off a major knee injury didn’t align with the timeline. Add in the public frustration at the end of 2024, the uncertainty around his recovery, and the decision becomes clearer.
Hill’s Dolphins tenure will be remembered for highlight-reel plays and elite production. It will also be remembered for volatility. In the end, the new regime chose stability.
Best Landing Spots
Kansas City Chiefs
A reunion with the Kansas City Chiefs feels almost too obvious, and that’s exactly why it works.
Hill was a superstar alongside Patrick Mahomes under Andy Reid, posting 479 catches, 6,630 yards, and 56 touchdowns in six seasons. Kansas City understands how to deploy him. They know how to protect him schematically.
The Chiefs have searched for consistent explosive playmaking since Hill’s departure. If he’s willing to accept a short-term, incentive-heavy deal, this becomes low-risk, high-reward for a franchise always chasing another Super Bowl. Familiarity matters especially for a player coming off a major injury and a team looking to regain its form.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are one of the more intriguing fits.
Quarterback Justin Herbert has the arm strength to maximize Hill’s vertical speed. Even post-injury, Hill forces safeties to back up, which opens space underneath. That’s something the Chargers’ offense has lacked: a true coverage dictator.
There’s also schematic intrigue depending on how the offensive system evolves. If the Chargers want to stretch defenses horizontally and vertically, Hill’s skill set fits immediately. The question isn’t talent, it’s timeline. At 32 and coming off a torn ACL, Hill would need to prove he still has game-breaking juice. But if he does, Herbert finally gets a receiver who can flip a game in one snap. It will be interesting to see if the Chargers run it back with Keenan Allen again this season, which could impact their ability to sign Hill.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have already been linked to Hill in the past.
Pittsburgh has been searching for a dynamic receiver who can create explosive plays and complement their existing weapons. Hill instantly changes defensive alignments. Even a slightly diminished version forces bracket coverage and creates space for others.
The Steelers also have a history of betting on elite talent. The key variable here is comfort, both from the organization and Hill. Reports previously suggested interest cooled due to off-field concerns, but if the Steelers believe the upside outweighs the risk, Hill gives them a true game-breaker in a division that demands offensive firepower.
Honorable Mention
- Baltimore Ravens
- Green Bay Packers
- Arizona Cardinals
- Las Vegas Raiders
Tyreek Hill’s Miami chapter ended abruptly. But if he regains even most of his pre-injury explosiveness, he remains one of the few receivers in the league who can tilt a defense before the ball is even snapped. The Dolphins chose a reset. Now the league waits to see who bets on one more burst of elite speed.
