Dolphins make big Tyreek Hill move

The Miami Dolphins first made news on Presidents' Day Monday by parting ways with pass-rusher Bradley Chubb. 

It turns out that was simply the start of the team's roster purge under recently hired general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and new head coach Jeff Hafley.

Dolphins finalize divorce that had been coming

Later on Monday morning, ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed that the Dolphins are releasing wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Hill was widely expected to become a salary-cap casualty this winter even before he dislocated his left knee and tore multiple ligaments, including his ACL, during Miami's game against the New York Jets on Sept 29. 

It's unknown when Hill will be able to return to in-game action and what he will be once he's cleared to face live defenses in meaningful games. The Dolphins are saving $22.8M against the salary cap by parting ways with Hill, who turns 32 years old on March 1.

Throughout last summer, Hill was the subject of trade rumors that linked him with receiver-needy teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hill played for the Chiefs from 2016 until he was traded to the Dolphins following the 2021 season, and it seems likely some will view Kansas City as a potential landing spot for the five-time First-Team All-Pro. 

Why Dolphins, Tyreek Hill breakup was inevitable

The Dolphins tallied zero playoff wins during Hill's tenure with the organization (2022-25). Many believed he had played his final game with Miami after he subbed himself out of the team's 2024 regular-season finale and then told reporters he was "out." While he and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa later seemed to mend fences, Hill noticeably wasn't voted a team captain for the 2025 season.

A subsequent report about supposed culture issues that impacted the Dolphins under then-head coach Mike McDaniel mentioned that Hill was "among repeat offenders who received numerous fines throughout" the 2024 season for being "late to practice and meetings." As Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio noted, the Dolphins likely would have released Hill even if McDaniel and former general manager Chris Grier had been retained, as Hill was due to make $35M for the 2026 campaign. 

The Dolphins are also expected to part ways with Tagovailoa at some point after the new league year opens on March 11.