The divorce between 2010s NFL All-Decade Staff extensive receiver Tyreek Hill and the Miami Dolphins lastly got here to fruition Monday, because the workforce introduced his launch.
Hill, who will flip 32 on March 1, was set to hold a $51.1 million cap hit in 2026 — the ultimate yr of a three-year, $90 million extension — which might have given him the very best cap quantity amongst non-quarterbacks this coming season. He tore his ACL in Week 4 of the 2025 season in opposition to the New York Jets in late September, that means he probably will not return till roughly 1 / 4 of the way in which via the 2026 marketing campaign.
These two components led the Dolphins’ new regime — head coach Jeff Hafley and common supervisor Jon-Eric Sullivan — to maneuver on earlier than free company opens in March. The choice leaves Miami with $28.2 million in useless cash, nevertheless it additionally creates $22.9 million in cap financial savings by jettisoning Hill now.
After being acquired in a commerce with the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs previous to the 2022 season, Hill was arguably the NFL’s most dominant receiver in his first two years in South Florida. From 2022 to 2023, he led the league in receiving yards (3,509) and receiving yards per recreation (106.3) whereas rating second in receptions (238) and third in receiving touchdowns (20). His manufacturing started to tail off in 2024, and he ended that season by saying he was “out” after Miami’s Week 18 loss to the Jets.
| Video games performed | 33 | 21 |
Receptions | 238 | 102 |
Receiving yards per recreation | 106.3* | 58.3 |
Receiving yards per reception | 14.7 | 12.0 |
Receiving yards | 3,509* | 1,225 |
Receiving touchdowns | 20 | 7 |
* Led NFL
Whereas there’s lots working in opposition to Hill, he ought to nonetheless command a free-agent market. His 11,363 profession receiving yards rank ninth-most by a participant in his first 10 seasons in NFL historical past, and his 28 touchdowns of fifty yards or longer are the fourth-most all time. Solely Corridor of Famer Jerry Rice (36), three-time Professional Bowler DeSean Jackson (34) and Corridor of Famer Randy Moss (29) have extra.
So the place may Hill land in 2026? This is a have a look at six potential touchdown spots for the five-time first-team All-Professional.
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Zachary Pereles
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
That is the plain one. The Chiefs have wage cap work to do to turn into compliant earlier than the brand new league yr begins March 11, however a reunion is sensible. Since buying and selling Hill in 2022, Kansas Metropolis hasn’t had a real No. 1 extensive receiver alongside future Corridor of Fame tight finish Travis Kelce.
Hill accounted for simply over 25% of Kansas Metropolis’s receiving yards in his last two seasons there (2020–21). Since his departure, Kelce leads the workforce at 22.7%, with extensive receiver Rashee Rice second at simply 10.2%.
Hill and quarterback Patrick Mahomes would even be getting back from ACL accidents suffered in 2025, doubtlessly placing their timelines in sync. Hill tweeted about his intrigue relating to offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s return to Kansas Metropolis. With Kelce probably getting into his last season in 2026, the Chiefs may reunite their championship trio for one final trip.
Buffalo Payments
If a Chiefs reunion would not materialize, the extensive receiver-needy Payments may name their former rival to assist quarterback Josh Allen. Khalil Shakir led Buffalo with simply 719 receiving yards in 2025, and the workforce’s receiver utilization was unstable, with a league-high eight gamers logging 100-plus snaps.
Like Kansas Metropolis, Buffalo should navigate cap constraints, however Allen’s elite arm expertise may entice each side in a shared push for Tremendous Bowl relevance.
Hill additionally tweeted sympathy for the Payments following their additional time playoff loss to the Denver Broncos, so maybe he would not want a lot persuading to hitch Buffalo.
Los Angeles Chargers
Hill to the Chargers is sensible on a number of ranges. Financially, Los Angeles can afford it, getting into the offseason with $78.6 million in efficient cap area. That is second-most within the NFL, per Over the Cap.
Quarterback Justin Herbert‘s arm energy is one other draw. His 24,820 passing yards rank second-most via a participant’s first six seasons, trailing solely Corridor of Famer Peyton Manning (24,885).
There’s additionally scheme familiarity: former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel now serves because the Chargers’ offensive coordinator. Hill may step right into a system he already is aware of and produce shortly as soon as wholesome. Hill even tweeted that McDaniel’s transfer to Los Angeles caught his consideration.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are primed for an offensive overhaul after hiring Tremendous Bowl LX champion Klint Kubiak as head coach following his title run as Seattle’s offensive coordinator.
In addition they maintain the No. 1 general decide within the 2026 NFL Draft, extensively anticipated to turn into Indiana nationwide championship-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner.
Las Vegas already options 2024 No. 6 decide working again Ashton Jeanty and 2024 first-team All-Professional tight finish Brock Bowers, plus $76.99 million in efficient cap area, third-most within the NFL.
Hill would additionally match Kubiak’s system for the reason that new head coach additionally labored as a San Francisco 49ers assistant coach underneath Kyle Shanahan — identical to McDaniel did earlier than thriving with Hill in Miami.
New England Patriots
The Patriots gained the AFC however ran out of steam in Tremendous Bowl LX, falling behind 19-0 in an eventual 29-13 loss to Seattle. Hill may inject wanted explosiveness right into a receiver room led by Stefon Diggs, who’s presently coping with authorized points. After Diggs’ 1,013 receiving yards and tight finish Hunter Henry‘s 768, Kayshon Boutte ranked subsequent amongst Patriots wideouts with 551 yards in 2025.
Hill has proven curiosity in New England, tweeting his happiness after their AFC title. The Patriots even have $36.9 million in efficient cap area — Eleventh-most within the NFL — and will make one other win-now transfer whereas Drake Maye stays on his rookie deal.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers ran out of our bodies in 2025, a season that ended with a 41-6 divisional-round loss in Seattle. San Francisco misplaced 270 participant video games to damage — probably the most of any playoff workforce — and the attrition confirmed within the greatest video games.
Receiver uncertainty looms, with Jauan Jennings set without cost company and Brandon Aiyuk lacking in motion. Brock Purdy nonetheless delivered elite effectivity, nonetheless, regardless of lacking eight video games with a turf toe damage: 58.3% of his third- and fourth-down move makes an attempt mixed produced first downs, the very best price within the final 35 seasons, per CBS Sports activities Analysis.
San Francisco enters the offseason with $37.5 million in efficient cap area (Tenth-most). Hill suits the workforce’s win-now window with Christian McCaffrey nonetheless producing and Trent Williams nonetheless chasing a title. Hill performed for a Shanahan acolyte in Mike McDaniel. In San Francisco, he’d play for the architect of the offensive system that helped him soar in Miami.
