The Miami Dolphins made one of the biggest offseason decisions by releasing five-time All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill before the 2026 campaign. There are several reasons behind it.
Hill carried a $51 Million cap hit for the upcoming season, and although a reworked deal could have lowered that figure, it also would have tied Miami to him for several more years. But the big issue was Hill suffered a devastating, dislocated knee injury that changed the conversation around his future.
So rather than committing to a lengthy recovery, the Dolphins moved on, leaving the veteran searching for his next opportunity.
NFL Insider Shared Update on Tyreek Hill’s Return for 2026 Season
While questions continue to grow over whether any team will sign Hill before the season begins, NFL insider James Palmer does not sound optimistic.
“There still is, to my understanding, no guarantee that Tyreek Hill plays in 2026,” the Bleacher Report insider Palmer said on Tyreek Hill’s injury recovery timeline. “I think it’s wishful thinking.”
Palmer also said teams will monitor Hill’s situation, but nothing sounds imminent regarding his return to the NFL.
Hill suffered a dislocated knee and multiple ligament tears, including a torn ACL, during Week 4 of the 2025 season. That combination of injuries creates one of the toughest rehabilitation processes for any skill-position player.
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The recovery could sideline Hill for the entire 2026 season, or at least keep him out for a significant stretch.
Still, multiple reports suggested the Kansas City Chiefs as a potential landing spot. It makes sense because both sides already know exactly what they would be getting.
During his first six NFL seasons in the City of Fountains, Hill caught 479 passes for 6,630 yards and 56 touchdowns. He also formed one of the NFL’s most explosive partnerships with Patrick Mahomes and helped Chiefs Kingdom celebrate a Super Bowl LIV championship.
So, familiarity could work in Hill’s favor if Kansas City decides to take the risk. He already understands the offense, while Andy Reid’s staff knows how to maximize his speed and playmaking ability.
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Meanwhile, the Chiefs head into training camp with 13 wide receivers on the roster. Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Tyquan Thornton appear set for meaningful roles, while several younger pass catchers battle for the remaining spots.
Even with that competition, Hill would instantly bring more star power and a far stronger track record than anyone else in the room.
Before suffering his season-ending injury, he recorded 21 catches for 265 yards and one touchdown, showing he could still produce when healthy.
Still, the bigger concern is whether Hill can return as the same player.
At 32 years old, recovering from such a serious knee injury will not be easy. More importantly, the elite speed that made him one of the NFL’s most feared deep threats may not fully return. If that explosiveness is gone, teams will naturally question how much impact he can still make.
Any interested club will first want proof that he is fully healthy and capable of handling an NFL workload again. Until he clears those hurdles, his market will likely remain quiet.
