Dolphins Eyeing Makai Lemon as Tyreek Hill Replacement

Talented wide receiver prospect could form elite duo with Jaylen Waddle.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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After trading away star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, the Miami Dolphins are in the market for a replacement. According to reports, the team is eyeing Makai Lemon, a top wide receiver prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft, as a potential fit to pair with Jaylen Waddle and bolster their passing attack.

Why it matters

The Dolphins' offense took a big hit with the departure of Hill, one of the league's most explosive playmakers. Finding the right replacement is crucial for Miami as they look to build around young quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and compete in the AFC East.

The details

Lemon is widely regarded as one of the best wide receivers in the 2023 draft class and could immediately step in as a top target for the Dolphins. Pairing him with the talented Jaylen Waddle would give Miami one of the most dynamic receiving duos in the NFL. However, the Dolphins have other pressing needs on their roster, so it remains to be seen if they will prioritize a wide receiver in the early rounds of the draft.

  • The Dolphins traded Tyreek Hill to the Kansas City Chiefs in March 2023.

The players

Makai Lemon

A top wide receiver prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft, viewed as a potential replacement for Tyreek Hill in Miami.

Jaylen Waddle

The Dolphins' young star wide receiver, who would form an elite duo with Lemon if the team drafts him.

Tua Tagovailoa

The Dolphins' starting quarterback, who would benefit from having two elite wide receivers to throw to.

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What they’re saying

“Tyreek Hill has been cut by the Dolphins, and Miami could use a wide receiver to pair with Jaylen Waddle. Lemon is my second-ranked wide receiver in this class, and would immediately get the Dolphins back in the conversation of having one of the best wide receiver duos in the league.”

— Mark Morales-Smith, Sports Illustrated Writer (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

The Dolphins will have the opportunity to select Makai Lemon or another top wide receiver prospect in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft, which takes place from April 27-29.

The takeaway

The Dolphins face a critical offseason as they look to replace the production of Tyreek Hill and build a championship-caliber offense around young quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Drafting a top wide receiver prospect like Makai Lemon could be a key step in that process, but the team will have to weigh that need against other roster holes.