Miami Dolphins Release Star Wide Receiver Tyreek Hill

The move comes after four seasons with the team and a serious knee injury in 2025.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 7:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Miami Dolphins have released eight-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Tyreek Hill, ending his high-profile tenure with the team. Hill, 31, had signed a reworked three-year, $90 million extension in 2024, but the Dolphins will now avoid his $51 million cap hit for 2026 by cutting him. Hill had a record-setting 2023 season, leading the NFL in receiving yards, but suffered a serious knee injury in Week 4 last year that ended his season.

Why it matters

Hill's release is part of broader changes for the Dolphins franchise, which hired a new head coach and parted ways with several other veterans this offseason. The move also raises questions about the team's plans at quarterback after Tua Tagovailoa was benched late last season.

The details

By releasing Hill before $11 million in guarantees kicked in, the Dolphins will save around $22.8 million in cap space, though they'll still have to absorb a sizable dead cap charge. Over his four seasons in Miami, Hill totaled 340 catches for 4,733 yards and 28 touchdowns, including a historic 2023 campaign where he led the NFL in receiving yards.

  • Hill suffered a dislocated knee and torn ACL in Week 4 of the 2025 season, ending his year.
  • Earlier this month, Hill shared that he had begun walking without a brace in his rehab.

The players

Tyreek Hill

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

Tua Tagovailoa

The Dolphins' starting quarterback who was benched late in the 2025 season in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers.

Jeff Hafley

The Dolphins' new head coach, hired in January 2026 to replace Mike McDaniel.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“My focus right now is just playing ball and spending time with my kids and just doing what I'm best at: providing for my family. So all the noise, I feel like if you allow that kind of stuff to get in the way of what you're trying to do, it can only cloud what you're really trying to get”

— Tyreek Hill (kvakradio.com)

What’s next

Reports have suggested the Dolphins could explore options at quarterback after Tagovailoa's late-season benching, despite having significant guaranteed money due to him in 2026.

The takeaway

The release of star receiver Tyreek Hill is the latest move in an offseason of significant change for the Miami Dolphins, as the team looks to reshape its roster and coaching staff after a disappointing 2025 campaign.