Dolphins Move On From Tyreek Hill

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The Miami Dolphins hit the offseason reset button Monday, making a series of sweeping roster moves headlined by the release of Tyreek Hill. The decision signals more than a transaction. It marks a philosophical pivot for a franchise stepping into a new chapter under first-year general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan.

Hill’s departure arrives after a turbulent season that never truly began. The dynamic receiver suffered a dislocated knee and torn ACL in Week 4, sidelining him for the remainder of 2025. Now approaching his 32nd birthday in March, Hill enters free agency for the first time in his decade-long NFL career.

Despite the abrupt ending, Hill’s farewell carried gratitude rather than bitterness. In an Instagram post, he thanked the organization, teammates, and fans while delivering a message wrapped in trademark confidence.

Become a Pigskin Pundit

“Miami, you have became my home. But the journey doesn’t stop here,” Hill wrote. “The Cheetah don’t slow down. Ever… The Cheetah will be back… Born Again.”

Miami’s Monday shakeup extended well beyond Hill. Former Pro Bowl linebacker Bradley Chubb was informed of his impending release, though sources indicated the timing and structure of the move remain undecided. If executed immediately, Miami’s projected 2026 cap savings could climb from roughly $23 million to nearly $30 million.

Additional cuts included offensive lineman James Daniels and wide receivers Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, further emphasizing the club’s aggressive cap recalibration.

From Blockbuster Arrival to Sudden Exit

Hill’s Miami tenure began with fireworks. In 2022, the Dolphins sent a haul of draft capital to the Kansas City Chiefs, including first and second-round picks, to bring the All-Pro speedster to South Florida. A four-year, $120 million extension followed, and Hill immediately validated the investment with back-to-back 1,700-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023.

By 2024, however, the production curve softened. Hill posted 81 receptions for 959 yards and six touchdowns, solid numbers by most standards, but a noticeable step down from his video game-like peak.

His time in Miami also featured off-field turbulence, including multiple lawsuits and a widely publicized 2024 incident involving Miami-Dade police officers outside Hard Rock Stadium just hours before the season opener.

Chubb’s Complicated Cap Equation

Chubb’s situation presents its own blend of performance and pragmatism. Acquired via trade with the Denver Broncos, he signed a five-year, $110 million extension and delivered 11 sacks in 2023. A devastating knee injury late that season cost him all of 2024, but he rebounded impressively in 2025 with a team-high 8.5 sacks across 17 games.

Advanced metrics painted a mixed portrait. Chubb’s 10.5 percent pressure rate ranked among the better marks of his career, yet a career-high double-team rate contributed to a personal low in pass rush win rate. Add a looming $31 million cap hit in 2026 and a history of ACL injuries in both knees, and the financial math became difficult to ignore.

Still, Chubb’s leadership left a strong imprint. He served as team captain and earned the local media’s “Good Guy” award for professionalism and accessibility.

Daniels and Westbrook-Ikhine: Brief Stints, Tough Breaks

Daniels, Miami’s marquee signing of the 2025 offseason, saw his campaign end almost instantly after suffering a pectoral injury just three snaps into the opener. Westbrook-Ikhine, signed after a nine-touchdown season with Tennessee, struggled to find rhythm, finishing with 11 catches for 89 yards.

The Looming Question at Quarterback

While Miami’s rebuild is clearly underway, uncertainty still hovers over Tua Tagovailoa. The quarterback carries a massive $56 million cap hit in 2026, with $54 million guaranteed. After being benched late last season following a career-high 15 interceptions, his long-term status remains unsettled.

Sullivan has publicly emphasized competition and roster construction over rushing into a quarterback replacement decision. That stance suggests patience, though patience in the NFL often lives on a week-to-week lease.