NFL Players Weigh In on Tyreek Hill's Next Move After Dolphins Release

From the Chiefs to the Patriots, players predict where the 6-time All-Pro wide receiver will sign in free agency.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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After the Miami Dolphins released star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, NFL players from across the league have been weighing in on where he could sign next. While the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers have emerged as top contenders, other teams like the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots have also been mentioned as potential landing spots for the 6-time All-Pro. Players have cited Hill's past success, the need for his explosive playmaking ability, and the chance to rebuild his legacy as factors that could influence his next move.

Why it matters

Tyreek Hill's release by the Dolphins has sent shockwaves through the NFL, as one of the league's most dynamic and productive wide receivers is now available on the open market. His next destination will have major implications, both for the team that signs him and for Hill's own career trajectory as he looks to continue cementing his status as one of the game's elite players.

The details

The Dolphins surprisingly cut ties with Hill just two years into a 4-year, $120 million contract. This has sparked widespread speculation about where the 29-year-old receiver will end up next. Several players have already weighed in, with the Chiefs, Steelers, Bills, and Patriots emerging as potential landing spots. The Chiefs are seen as a natural fit given Hill's past success playing with Patrick Mahomes, while the Steelers and Bills could use his game-breaking ability to boost their offenses. The Patriots have also been mentioned as a dark horse candidate, with the potential to pair Hill with rising young QB Drake Maye.

  • On February 16, 2026, the Miami Dolphins released Tyreek Hill.

The players

Tyreek Hill

A 6-time Pro Bowl and All-Pro wide receiver who was recently released by the Miami Dolphins after two seasons with the team.

Patrick Mahomes

The star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, who previously played with Tyreek Hill and could potentially reunite with him.

Travis Kelce

The All-Pro tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, who also has a history of playing with Tyreek Hill.

Josh Allen

The star quarterback of the Buffalo Bills, who could benefit from adding a dynamic playmaker like Tyreek Hill to his offense.

Drake Maye

The young quarterback of the New England Patriots, who could potentially team up with Tyreek Hill to form a dangerous passing attack.

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What they’re saying

“It's time to reconnect with Kansas City. Terrell Owens & Antonio Brown are two of the greatest to ever catch a football. Yet, TO was unfairly excluded from being a 1st or 2nd ballot Hall of Famer, & I fear even worse for AB. Tyreek has to keep his legacy in mind with this next step.”

— Ryan Clark, Former NFL Star and Analyst

“@cheetah it's ⏰️.”

— Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs Player (Instagram)

“Reke either to KC or Buffalo.”

— Gerald McCoy, Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defensive Tackle

“The New England Patriots need to sign Tyreek Hill. Drake Maye was the best deep ball thrower in football this year. If Tyreek Hill gets back to 90% of what he was, the Patriots get a massive mismatch chess piece on their board.”

— Robert Griffin III

“We gotta be careful. Nostalgia will get you in trouble… I think if you're the Chiefs right now, you need to focus all your eggs on getting Travis Kelce back in the building.”

— Willie Colon (First Things First)

What’s next

An injury expert has weighed in on Hill's projected return timeline, raising concerns about the long-term impact of his reported nerve injury, which could complicate his free agency process.

The takeaway

Tyreek Hill's release by the Dolphins has sparked a frenzy of speculation around the league, with players from various teams weighing in on where the dynamic wide receiver could land next. While the Chiefs and Steelers appear to be the frontrunners, the Bills, Patriots, and other teams have also been mentioned as potential suitors, highlighting Hill's immense value and the impact he could have on whichever team signs him.