Shockwaves in the NFL: Why Did the Miami Dolphins Cut Star WR Tyreek Hill?
Tyreek Hill’s chapter with the Miami Dolphins has come to a surprising and abrupt close. On Monday, the team officially cut ties with the standout wide receiver, marking the first time in his career that he’s stepping into free agency. Considering Hill’s current battle with a knee dislocation and a torn ACL incurred in Week 4 of last season, doubts linger all around about his availability for the upcoming campaign—or even beyond. The Dolphins, juggling salary cap space and roster recalibration, saw this move shave nearly $23 million off their books, even as deeper roster shakeups unfolded. Hill’s journey from a blazing first season in Miami—where he inked a massive four-year, $120 million extension and dominated defenses—to last year’s injury-laden and frustrating output, reflects an era ending not just for him, but for the Dolphins’ offense at large. As whispers circulate about the team’s other key players possibly heading out, and with Hill’s future still a question mark, the NFL world eagerly waits to see what’s next for one of the game’s most electrifying talents.
Tyreek Hill’s time with the Miami Dolphins is over.
The Dolphins released the longtime wide receiver on Monday, officially making him a free agent for the first time in his career. The eight-time Pro Bowler is currently recovering from a dislocated knee and torn ACL injury he suffered in Week 4 last season, so it is unclear when or if Hill will play next season.
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Hill would have had $11 million become fully guaranteed this month and his release will reportedly save the Dolphins $22.8 million.
The Dolphins were busy Monday. They also released wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and guard James Daniels. They are also reportedly releasing edge rusher Bradley Chubb.
The Dolphins could still reportedly look to move quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was benched in favor of seventh-round rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers in Week 16 and already has $54 million fully guaranteed to him in 2026.
Hill originally joined the Dolphins in 2022, when the team acquired the wideout in a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Dolphins promptly gave Hill a four-year, $120 million extension and watched as he torched defenders for 1,710 yards and seven touchdowns in his first season in Miami.
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His second year with the Dolphins was even better. Hill led the NFL with 1,799 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Led by Hill and a healthy Tagovailoa, the Dolphins went 11-6 that season, but failed to advance past the wild-card round. Hill’s performance earned him a first-team All-Pro nod, a sixth-place finish in the MVP voting and a second-place finish in the Offensive Player of the Year award voting.
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The following season proved to be the beginning of the end for both the Dolphins and Hill. Tagovailoa was injured two games into the 2024 season. He missed four games, and the Dolphins’ offense completely changed once Tagovailoa returned. Limited by the team’s refusal to throw deep and a wrist injury, Hill finished the year with just 959 yards and six scores. He posted his lowest catch and yardage total since 2019.
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In 54 games with the Dolphins, Hill had 340 receptions, 4,733 receiving yards, 28 touchdowns and was first team All-Pro in two seasons (2022, 2023).
After the Dolphins failed to make the playoffs, Hill voiced his frustrations. He later walked back his remarks, but the fact that he was not named a team captain in 2025, the first time since his Miami arrival in 2022, suggested tension may have still been in play.
Following offseason surgery, Hill entered 2025 looking to recapture his old form, but he tore his ACL four games into the season. Hill’s agent Drew Rosenhaus commented on the Dolphins releasing his client and whether he’d play in the NFL again coming off this latest injury.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus says Tyreek Hill is progressing in his rehab from the dislocated knee injury and plans to play again after he was released Monday. https://t.co/cK2arEh54c
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) February 16, 2026
Should Hill choose to return for season No. 11 in the NFL, he’d be 32 years old by the time the 2026 campaign begins.
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