Miami Dolphins Release Star WR Tyreek Hill

Hill to become free agent for first time after 4 seasons in Miami

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Miami Dolphins have released star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, making him an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career. Hill, an 8-time Pro Bowler, is currently recovering from a dislocated knee and torn ACL injury suffered last season. The Dolphins' move will save the team $22.8 million in salary cap space.

Why it matters

Tyreek Hill was a key part of the Dolphins' offense over the past 4 seasons, making the Pro Bowl twice and leading the NFL in receiving yards in 2023. His release is a major shakeup for the Dolphins as they look to rebuild their roster and potentially move on from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa as well.

The details

Hill joined the Dolphins in 2022 in a trade from the Kansas City Chiefs and promptly signed a 4-year, $120 million extension. He had back-to-back 1,700+ yard seasons in 2022 and 2023, but saw his production decline in 2024 due to injuries to Tagovailoa. After undergoing offseason surgery, Hill tore his ACL just 4 games into the 2025 season, leading to his release.

  • Hill suffered a dislocated knee and torn ACL in Week 4 of the 2025 season.
  • The Dolphins released Hill on February 16, 2026.

The players

Tyreek Hill

An 8-time Pro Bowl wide receiver who spent the last 4 seasons with the Miami Dolphins.

Tua Tagovailoa

The Dolphins' starting quarterback who has been plagued by injuries and was benched in favor of a rookie QB late in the 2024 season.

Quinn Ewers

A seventh-round rookie quarterback who replaced Tua Tagovailoa as the Dolphins' starter late in the 2024 season.

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What’s next

The Dolphins will now look to rebuild their roster and potentially move on from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who has $54 million in guaranteed money in 2026.

The takeaway

The release of star wide receiver Tyreek Hill is a major shakeup for the Miami Dolphins, who are now faced with the challenge of rebuilding their offense around an injury-prone quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa. Hill's departure opens up significant salary cap space, but the Dolphins must now find a way to replace his elite production.