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Dolphins release Tyreek Hill, sparking NFL bidding

Kagi News | 2026-02-16 16:08 UTC | source

🏈 The Miami Dolphins released wide receiver Tyreek Hill on Monday, ending his run with the team as he continues to recover from a serious knee injury and hits the open market 71015141. Several reports cast the move as part of Miami’s roster reset and cost-cutting push, with The Guardian estimating about $22.8m (about $23m) in 2026 salary-cap savings tied to the decision 71511.

With one of the league’s most explosive playmakers suddenly available, attention quickly shifted to which contenders might pursue him — and what his market looks like while his rehab continues 8121.

Hill's Dolphins tenure ends after four seasons of highs and lows
Hill's Dolphins tenure ends after four seasons of highs and lows — Marca

Sources

  1. Three possible destinations for Tyreek Hill with the Kansas City Chiefs included [marca.com] (2026-02-17)
  2. Tyreek Hill on the market: Could Patriots land the speedster after Dolphins cut? [marca.com] (2026-02-17)
  3. Chris Jones makes bold move to bring Tyreek Hill back to Chiefs [marca.com] (2026-02-17)
  4. Dolphins cut Tyreek Hill: Stephen A. Smith wonders where the star WR will land [marca.com] (2026-02-17)
  5. Tyreek Hill faces uncertain future after Dolphins release and knee surgery update [marca.com] (2026-02-17)
  6. The Dolphins make their first major decision by releasing one of their star players [marca.com] (2026-02-16)
  7. Dolphins release wide receiver Hill as part of rebuild [bbc.com] (2026-02-16)
  8. What's next for Tyreek Hill after his release from the Dolphins? Keep an eye on Chiefs and Bills [yahoo.com] (2026-02-17)
  9. Why Chiefs Shouldn't Seek Tyreek Hill Reunion: 'Nostalgia Will Get You In Trouble' [foxsports.com] (2026-02-17)
  10. Dolphins Cleaning House: Tyreek Hill Released by Miami; Star WR Vows He'll Be Back [foxsports.com] (2026-02-16)
  11. Dolphins release five-time All-Pro WR Tyreek Hill in slew of cost-saving moves - NFL.com [google.com] (2026-02-16)
  12. Tyreek Hill landing spots: Chiefs, Bills and other AFC contenders among top fits after Dolphins release WR [cbssports.com] (2026-02-16)
  13. What's next for Dolphins after Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb releases? Tua Tagovailoa's future, new roster moves [cbssports.com] (2026-02-16)
  14. Dolphins release Tyreek Hill: Miami moves on from injured star receiver ahead of 2026 contract guarantees [cbssports.com] (2026-02-16)
  15. Dolphins cut star receiver Tyreek Hill to free up $23m in salary cap space [theguardian.com] (2026-02-16)
  16. Chris Jones wants Tyreek Hill back with the Chiefs - NBC Sports [google.com] (2026-02-17)

Highlights

  1. Reunion caution: FS1 analyst Willie Colon warned that “nostalgia” can cloud Kansas City’s decision-making, arguing the Chiefs’ roster needs and cap situation make a Hill reunion anything but simple — even if the interest is real 9.
  2. Dolphins reshuffle: CBS Sports reported Miami also released pass rusher Bradley Chubb in the same wave of moves, widening the focus to what comes next for the roster — including at quarterback with Tua Tagovailoa 1315.
  3. Contract timing: CBS Sports described Hill’s release as a move made ahead of upcoming 2026 contract triggers and guarantees, suggesting it wasn’t just about on-field fit but also about limiting future financial commitments 14.
  4. Patriots pitch: Marca reported Robert Griffin III publicly urged New England to take a big swing on Hill, selling the idea of adding a game-breaking speed threat 2.
Tyreek Hill pictured with Patrick Mahomes during their time together in Kansas City
Tyreek Hill pictured with Patrick Mahomes during their time together in Kansas City — FOX Sports

Perspectives

Miami Dolphins (team direction): The Dolphins framed Hill’s exit as part of a broader reset — turning the page now while he works back from a major knee injury.

Chris Jones (Kansas City Chiefs): Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones publicly called for Kansas City to bring Hill back after his release.

Willie Colon (FS1): Colon urged the Chiefs not to chase a reunion, citing cap constraints and uncertainty about how Hill will look after the injury.

Robert Griffin III (media analyst): Griffin urged the Patriots to pursue Hill as a bold offseason move to add speed and playmaking.

Timeline

1
2022
Miami signed Hill to a $120m extension 15.
2
Week 4 of the 2025 season
Hill suffered a torn ACL, according to a CBS injury recap 12.
3
Monday
The Dolphins released Hill with immediate effect 71015.
4
March 1
Hill turns 32 on March 1 1215.