Tyreek Hill makes clear statement on future with Dolphins

“I have to do what’s best for me and my family – if that’s here or wherever the case may be,” the 30-year-old said (video link via Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald). “I’m about to open up that door for myself… I’m out. It was great playing here, but at the end of the day, I have to do what’s best for my career. I’m too much of a competitor to be just out there.”

Given those remarks, Hill’s future will certainly become a major talking point. The eight-time Pro Bowler referring to his Dolphins tenure in the past tense immediately after a game is a noteworthy element of his public stance on his career. Hill has since taken to social media to thank the Dolphins’ fanbase, although that by no means ensures he intends to demand a trade. Still, this is a surprise, considering the new commitment the Dolphins made before this season.

Taking note of the latest jump in the WR market, Hill made it clear he was seeking a new contract last offseason (although he also insisted negotiations not reach the point where a trade would be on the table). In the end, the team and player agreed to a restructure, which saw the value of his pact increase to $90M (including $54M locked in at signing and $65M in total guarantees) while keeping him in place through 2026. Nearly all of Hill’s base compensation ($27.75M) for next season is guaranteed, and he is due a $3.17M option bonus in late August.

As a result, a release or trade before June 1 would not be feasible from a cap perspective from the Dolphins. A deal sending Hill to a new team after that date would create a slight net positive from a financial standpoint ($14.95M in savings against $12.73M in dead money), but it would, of course, create a major vacancy at the receiver spot. The Dolphins – who have Jaylen Waddle signed through 2028 – have relied heavily on Hill since his arrival from the Chiefs. The former fifth-rounder topped 1,700 yards in his debut Miami campaign and led the NFL with 1,799 (along with an NFL-best 13 touchdowns) last year. His production dropped this season, one in which the Dolphins’ offense dealt with many injury problems.

That includes the torn wrist ligament Hill played through for the entire campaign. He elected not to undergo surgery during the year, but his health will be something to watch closely moving forward. Hill’s post-game comments included the revelation he was dealing with a right wrist injury on Sunday (whereas the year-long ailment affected his left wrist. He exited the Dolphins’ loss midway through the contest, noting he was aware of the Chiefs-Broncos score (which was heavily in favor of Denver, something which ensured Miami would not be able to reach the playoffs even with a win) at the time he departed the game.

The Dolphins have several important decisions to make this offseason, but sorting out Hill’s future was not expected to be one of them. Instead, addressing his willingness to play elsewhere in 2025 will become an organizational priority, and this situation has the potential to become one of the top storylines around the league, depending on how successful that effort is.