The Miami Dolphins ended a disappointing season in fitting fashion, losing to the New York Jets in Week 18, 32-20. It just so happens that the star receiver is also disappointed about the outcome as Miami missed the playoffs for the first time since 2021. It marks the first season that Hill won’t be a playoff participant in his now nine-year career.
Miami’s season was filled with injuries, as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missed games with a hip injury and yet another concussion. Hill also dealt with some ailments along the way and even had a rough encounter with police, which resulted in him being detained prior to Week 1.
Hill didn’t hold back his frustration and emotions after the game, something that will sound the alarms in South Beach.
Here’s what he said and whether fans can expect Hill to be on the move in the near future.
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What did Tyreek Hill say?
Hill was clearly unhappy about how the season went this year, a season that saw him manage more than 100 yards in just three games.
When asked to describe the season, he was happy to talk about the birth of his daughter, but didn’t share the same sentiments about the on-field results. Hill said, as a captain, that it was a tough season and added that losing Tagovailoa was a big problem.
The receiver was then asked what the message for the team is this offseason.
“I don’t even know, bro,’ Hill said. ‘This is my first time I haven’t been in the playoffs. I mean for me, like I said man, I just gotta do what’s best for me and my family, dawg. If that’s here, or wherever the case may be, man, I’m going to open the door for myself, dawg. I’m opening the door. Like, I’m out, bruh.’
“You know, so, it was great playing here, but, you know, at the end of the day, bro, I gotta do what’s best for, you know, for my career, and you know, what’s best because I’m too much of a competitor to be, you know, just out there,” Hill added.
When asked if that meant he was thinking about leaving Miami, Hill didn’t provide an answer.
Head coach Mike McDaniel said after the game that he was informed Hill was unavailable, adding that he didn’t know of the absence being related to a new injury.
McDaniel said he wouldn’t put too much weight into Hill’s post game comments, saying there will be more conversations in the days and weeks ahead. The Dolphins announced after the game that McDaniel will return along with general manager, Chris Grier.
Hill later took to X, seemingly adding fuel to the fire with a post that could be viewed as a farewell of sorts.
Plenty of questions will now swirl around the receiver as Miami heads toward an offseason that leaves plenty of questions unanswered.
Will the Dolphins trade Tyreek Hill?
Barring some offseason pressure, it’s hard to imagine the Dolphins trading Hill. He is a key piece in the team’s offense and Miami’s ability to compete likely relies on keeping the receiver around.
However, if the team is looking for a fresh start with their window to win seemingly closed, parting ways with Hill makes sense. The Dolphins could recoup some draft capital and deal him to a team with championship aspirations.
Depending on perspectives, trading Hill could be a good thing considering the 30-year-old won’t likely get faster as his career continues. Hill, who made a living on his speed and earned the nickname, ‘Cheetah,’ might have to reinvent himself if his legs start to slow down as time goes on.
If there is a positive to the potential drama for Miami, it’s that the team holds the cards. Hill is not a free agent, meaning he wouldn’t leave without getting the Dolphins something in return.
Tyreek Hill contract
Hill is still under contract for two more seasons, according to Spotrac. The deal will take him through his age 32 season and wrap up the three-year, $90 million extension that was restructured prior to the 2024 season. Hill initially inked a four-year, $120 million extension when he was traded from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Dolphins.
The deal carries an average annual value (AAV) of $30 million, but Hill’s cap hit for 2025 is just south of $28.7 million. A trade prior to June 1 would save Miami $401,250 with a dead cap of $28,297,500, while trade after that date would result in a $15,970,000 savings and $12,728,750 in dead cap for 2025.
Tyreek Hill stats
Hill failed to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards in 2024, finishing with 959 for the year. It’s just the third time that he failed to hit that number, though the most recent instance came in 2019 when he was limited to 12 games while the other was his rookie season.
The receiver hauled in 81-of-123 targets and scored six touchdowns, while playing in 17 games.
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