Back in 2024, Tyreek Hill signed a restructured deal with the Miami Dolphins, following two impressive seasons with over 1,700 receiving yards. yet, early on President’s Day 2026, just weeks ahead of the free agency starting March 11, the Dolphins made the surprising move to release him.
The team’s situation has drastically changed since Hill’s contract restructuring. With new head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan at the helm, the franchise has seen playoff misses two years in a row after reaching the postseason in the prior two seasons. Hill’s performance, too, has declined, as he failed to achieve 1,000 receiving yards in 2024 and spent most of 2025 sidelined with a knee dislocation and ACL tear.
The decision to release Hill was anticipated, but the timing took many by surprise. What prompted the Dolphins to part ways with the five-time first-team All-Pro, and what interest might he attract in free agency?
ESPN’s Dolphins reporter Marcel Louis-Jacques and NFL insider Jeremy Fowler provide insights on everything you need to know.
Reasons Behind Tyreek Hill’s Release from the Dolphins
Hill signed a four-year, $120 million extension in 2022 and restructured his deal in 2024, raising his guaranteed money to $106.5 million—an NFL record for skill players. While he had no guaranteed money for 2026, his contract still posed a $51.1 million cap hit for this season.
even if the cap figures were manageable when Hill was performing well, his last two seasons fell short of expectations. In 2024 and 2025, he managed just 102 receptions for 1,224 yards and 7 touchdowns, significantly impacted by his knee injury in Week 4 of 2025. With Sullivan focused on instilling a fresh culture, major roster changes were inevitable.
Sullivan champions development through the draft, and Hill’s presence on the roster contradicted that philosophy. While he had a stellar start in Miami, trading for him limited the team’s drafting capabilities. Though the cost is now a sunk cost, Sullivan took this first step to make his mark on the roster. — Louis-Jacques
Why Now? Timing of Hill’s Release Ahead of Free Agency
Miami is proactively starting a major rebuild, opting for several cuts ahead of the NFL combine. Hill was among four Dolphins released, freeing up close to $70 million in cap space.
Hill checked all the boxes for players likely to be cut: age (31), injury history, and a hefty salary. so, the Dolphins made a straightforward decision, with the new regime not concerned about lingering sentiments. Sullivan and Hafley recognize the extensive nature of this roster overhaul and are fully on board. Hill represents the past. — Fowler
Impact of Hill’s Release on the Dolphins’ Salary Cap
Releasing Hill will incur an approximate $28 million dead cap charge for the Dolphins this season while saving them about $23 million. The Dolphins could have chosen to defer the dead cap hit over the next two years by designating him a post-June 1 release, but they elected to settle their theoretical debt immediately rather than prolong it.
This decision also leaves Miami with one of the shallowest wide receiver corps in the NFL. Jaylen Waddle remains under contract but could be a valuable trade asset as the Dolphins delve deeper into their rebuild.
Acquiring new pass-catching options will be a focus this offseason, as the current offensive setup does not adequately support the eventual successor at quarterback. — Louis-Jacques
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Sam Acho: I’m ‘not overly surprised’ by Tyreek Hill’s release
Sam Acho explains his lack of surprise regarding the Dolphins’ choice to release Tyreek Hill.
What to Expect for Hill’s Free-Agent Market
Tyreek Hill remains one of the rare athletes to retain elite speed into his 30s, a quality that has kept him among the top pass catchers in football. yet, his significant knee injury could threaten that speed, and he mentioned the possibility of retirement last October.
Nevertheless, Hill may be exceptional enough to recover and continue making impactful plays. A potential return to the Kansas City Chiefs is worth considering, as their offense has not been the same since trading him in 2022.
A reunion with Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel could also be plausible, as Hill would fit perfectly within McDaniel’s system. While Hill may no longer command top-tier contracts, he is likely to secure a respectable deal. — Fowler
