NFL
Exclusive: Tyreek Hill Faces Tepid Free-Agent Market After Miami Release
Former All Pro receiver Tyreek Hill, once a game-changing playmaker, is struggling to find a new team, with concerns about his ability, attitude, and off-field issues. Many teams hesitant to sign him, with speculation of a possible reunion with the Chiefs at a reduced salary. Hill’s future in doubt as free agency approaches.
Miami Dolphins v Tampa Bay Buccaneers by Mike Ehrmann | Getty Images
After two lost seasons with Miami, marred by more significant injuries and repeated off-field issues, former All Pro receiver Tyreek Hill is navigating a tepid free-agent market following his release by the Dolphins, according to league sources.
Hill, the game’s elite downfield playmaker during his time in Kansas City and through his first two years in Miami, has been on a steady decline, with serious questions in scouting circles about his burst and explosiveness, durability, consistency and, to some, willingness to compete at this stage of his career.
Executives for several receiver-deficient teams said signing Hill, even at a massively-reduced salary, is effectively a non-starter for them.
Is It Over?
“We aren’t touching him,” one general manager said.
“No chance. We think he’s done. He isn’t a difference-maker anymore. The juice isn’t worth the squeeze. Not even as a vet-minimum guy for us.”
Some teams may be keen to diminish the former standout to perhaps try to stamp down his earning potential, but several trusted sources were adamant that Hill is too much of an issue in the locker room and too limited physically at this stage of his career to be counted on to perform.
Many have speculated about a possible reunion with the Chiefs, given their significant needs on offense, and perhaps that will end up making the most sense, but at a salary that is a drastic departure from what he’s been accustomed to earning.
“They weren’t going to get anything for him in trade,” one NFL personnel executive said. “I don’t think free agency is going to be very kind, either.”
Hill had a very public falling out with quarterback Tua Tagoavailoa in Miami and also clashed with head coach Mike McDaniel. He had repeated off field issues throughout his time with the Chiefs as well; that along with Hill’s increasing salary demands led to Kansas City parting with him in the first place.
Then he was at the height of his career. Things are quite different in 2026. Reid was somewhat noncommittal about a Hill reunion when asked about it recently, but that may be the best/only option for him.
Regardless, he’s not going to be a priority for teams when the free agent markets open next month.
La Canfora has covered over 20 Super Bowls and League Meetings and NFL drafts, building a wide network of sources throughout all aspects of the game. He was an award winning print journalist as well, working at The Detroit Free Press and The Baltimore Sun prior to his first stint at The Washington Post. He has covered sporting events around the world, including two Winter Olympics and all of the 2006 World Cup. He attended his first NFL game in 1978, and would soon kindle what has become a lifelong love and appreciation of the sport. La Canfora is also a professional handicapper, specializing in the NFL, creating a daily sports wagering game show - "Wanna Bet?" He also hosts nationally broadcast NFL radio shows in the US, as well as a daily sports radio show in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland.