DAVIE, FL – The Miami Dolphins are undergoing a significant roster overhaul, beginning with the release of wide receiver Tyreek Hill, the team announced Monday, . The move, anticipated as contract guarantees loomed, signals a clear shift in direction for the Dolphins under new head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan.
Hill, 31, leaves Miami after four seasons, having arrived in a blockbuster trade from the Kansas City Chiefs ahead of the 2022 season. His initial two years with the Dolphins were marked by explosive production, with consecutive seasons exceeding 1,700 receiving yards. He continued to be a dominant force in 2023, leading the league with a career-high 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns. However, a dislocated knee and torn ligaments suffered in Week 4 of the season against the New York Jets ultimately proved pivotal.
The timing of the release is strategically driven by financial considerations. By cutting Hill before June 1, the Dolphins incur a $28.2 million dead cap hit in . However, this avoids triggering $16 million in guarantees – $11 million in base salary and a $5 million roster bonus – that would have vested on March 14. Hill’s extension, signed last offseason, was worth $90 million, with a final year cap hit of nearly $52 million, largely designed to inflate his average annual salary.
Despite the injury, Hill has expressed a desire to continue his career, recently telling People magazine he is walking without a brace. However, given his age and the severity of the knee injury, it’s reasonable to expect he will carefully consider his options before signing with a new team. Throughout his eight-year NFL career, Hill has amassed 11,363 receiving yards and 83 touchdowns on 819 receptions, establishing himself as one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers.
The Dolphins’ decision to move on from Hill is part of a broader cost-cutting effort. Alongside Hill, the team also released pass rusher Bradley Chubb, guard James Daniels, and wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine on Monday, clearing over $56 million in cap space for . This financial flexibility is crucial as the new regime looks to reshape the roster.
The departure of Hill leaves a significant void in the Dolphins’ receiving corps. Currently, only Jaylen Waddle and Malik Washington contributed double-digit receptions for Miami last season. Cedrick Wilson, who made five starts in 13 appearances, and D’Wayne Eskridge, who played in 13 games, are both pending free agents. The team faces a substantial task in rebuilding its wide receiver room, a process that will likely involve both free agency and the NFL Draft, where Miami holds the No. 11 overall pick.
Adding to the uncertainty is the future of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Reports indicate the Dolphins are considering trading or releasing Tagovailoa, further compounding the questions surrounding the offense’s direction. The team went from two straight playoff berths to two straight seasons with losing records, prompting the need for a significant overhaul.
The release of Hill marks a definitive end to the Mike McDaniel era in Miami and the beginning of a new chapter under Hafley and Sullivan. While the decision is undoubtedly difficult, it reflects a pragmatic approach to roster management and a commitment to building a sustainable contender. The Dolphins, once estimated to be $17.4 million over the cap just 24 hours prior, are now better positioned to address their needs in free agency and through the draft, signaling a clear intent to rebuild and compete in the years to come.
