The Miami Dolphins have released wide receiver Tyreek Hill, announced Monday ahead of contract guarantees that take effect during the 2026 season. Hill becomes an unrestricted free agent for the first time, opening the door for a fresh start after a challenging four-year tenure in Miami.
The 2026 contract year has $29.9 million in non-guaranteed base salary, including $11 million guaranteed if Hill is on the roster on the third day of the 2026 league year. By releasing Hill before June 1, the Dolphins take a $28.2 million dead cap hit in 2026. The timing was strategic: Miami's new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan needed to clear cap space to rebuild through the draft, and Hill's massive contract made him an obvious target. The Dolphins also released Bradley Chubb and other veterans as part of an organizational overhaul.
Hill suffered a devastating, season-ending knee injury in September and is expected to miss much of the offseason in recovery. He had 21 receptions for 265 yards before getting hurt in Miami's Week 4 win against the Jets, when he planted his left foot and his knee twisted as he was getting pulled down. The serious injury added uncertainty to his future but made the cut easier for Miami to justify.
Hill has said he wants to play again, and his agent reiterated he intends to play next season. In an Instagram post, Hill wrote "Every chapter has taught me something... The love I have for this game is unexplainable... The Cheetah will be back...Born Again." The Kansas City Chiefs are the most obvious landing spot, and with Eric Bieniemy back as offensive coordinator, Kansas City could bring Hill back. The Chargers also fit, with former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as their offensive coordinator, and Hill could step into a familiar system. At 31 recovering from a torn ACL, his next deal won't match his Miami contract — but Hill's determined to prove he has plenty of football left.