Dolphins Release Star Receiver Tyreek Hill, Ushering in Roster Overhaul
The Miami Dolphins have released wide receiver Tyreek Hill, marking a significant shift for the franchise as it enters a rebuilding phase, NFL Network reported on Monday, . The move comes weeks before the start of free agency on .
Hill’s release follows a disappointing 2025 season cut short by a severe knee injury sustained against the New York Jets on . He dislocated his left knee and tore his ACL, requiring season-ending surgery. Prior to the injury, Hill had shown flashes of his previous form, recording a 109-yard performance in Week 3.
The Dolphins are also releasing pass rusher Bradley Chubb, reportedly as part of a broader effort to reshape the roster under new head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. The team has also released guard James Daniels and wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, clearing over $56 million in cap space for 2026.
Hill, an eight-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro, joined the Dolphins in March 2022 after being traded from the Kansas City Chiefs. He initially signed a four-year, $120 million extension with Miami, becoming the highest-paid wide receiver in football at the time. A restructured deal in 2024 brought his guaranteed money to an NFL record for a skill player at $106.5 million.
While Hill enjoyed a productive first season in Miami, with 119 catches for a career-high 1,710 yards, his performance declined in subsequent years. He followed that with 119 catches for a league-high 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023. In 2024, he was limited to 959 receiving yards, and the Dolphins missed the playoffs. His $51.1 million cap hit for 2026, with no guaranteed money, ultimately contributed to the decision to release him.
Hill’s arrival in Kansas City came as a fifth-round draft pick in 2016, where he quickly became a key component of the Chiefs’ high-powered offense alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He recorded four 1,000-yard receiving seasons with the Chiefs and played a pivotal role in their Super Bowl LIV victory over the San Francisco 49ers at the end of the 2019 season.
As an immediate free agent, Hill is eligible to sign with any team without waiting for the start of the new league year. However, given his age (31) and the severity of his knee injury, it is anticipated he will take time to evaluate his options. His agent can now begin exploring potential landing spots.
Despite a decline in some statistical areas in 2024, tying or setting career lows in touchdowns (6), yards per game (56.4), and yards per target (7.8), Hill remains a potentially valuable asset for a team seeking a dynamic receiving threat. His future in the NFL remains uncertain as he navigates his recovery and explores new opportunities.
