In a move that sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Miami Dolphins have released star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, ending his four-year tenure with the team. The decision, announced on February 16, 2026, comes as part of a broader roster overhaul aimed at clearing significant salary cap space ahead of the new league year. Hill, a five-time first-team All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowler, was designated with a failed physical due to his ongoing recovery from a devastating knee injury suffered in September 2025.

The injury, which included a torn ACL and dislocated knee, sidelined Hill for most of the 2025 season and required major surgery. At 31 years old (turning 32 in March), his future playing status remains uncertain, with rehabilitation ongoing and questions about whether he can return to elite form in 2026. The release saves the Dolphins approximately $23 million in cap space for 2026, though it incurs dead money penalties in the short term. This move aligns with Miami’s efforts to reset under new leadership, following other high-profile cuts that collectively freed over $56 million.

Hill arrived in Miami via a blockbuster trade from the Kansas City Chiefs before the 2022 season. The Dolphins rewarded him with a then-record $120 million, four-year extension, making him the highest-paid receiver at the time. In his first two seasons with Miami, Hill dominated, posting back-to-back 1,700+ yard campaigns with 119 receptions each, including a league-leading 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023. His speed and explosiveness transformed the Dolphins’ offense into one of the league’s most dynamic units.

However, off-field issues and the recent injury complicated his time in South Florida. Now an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career, Hill enters a market where teams must weigh his proven talent against recovery risks and age. Several destinations have emerged as possibilities, but one stands out above the rest: a potential reunion with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Hill spent his first six NFL seasons in Kansas City, winning a Super Bowl alongside Patrick Mahomes and establishing himself as one of the game’s most electric playmakers. The Chiefs’ offense has remained elite since his 2022 departure, securing multiple championships, but many observers note a lack of consistent deep-threat speed outside of Travis Kelce. A return could provide Mahomes with a familiar weapon to boost explosiveness, especially if Hill regains form mid-season or beyond.

While no deal is imminent—Hill must pass a physical and prove health—the speculation is intense. Chiefs fans are already buzzing about the “Cheetah” sprinting back to Arrowhead. For now, Hill has vowed a comeback, signaling determination despite the setback.

This release marks a pivotal moment for both player and league. Whether Hill revives his career in Kansas City or elsewhere, his next chapter promises drama and excitement in the ever-unpredictable NFL landscape.