Tyrann Mathieu Backs Tyreek Hill's Potential Chiefs Return

Former Chiefs star supports idea of Hill rejoining Kansas City after release by Dolphins

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Tyrann Mathieu, a former Kansas City Chiefs player who won a Super Bowl with Tyreek Hill, is open to the idea of Hill returning to the Chiefs. Hill was recently released by the Miami Dolphins as he continues to recover from a significant knee injury. Mathieu highlighted the stability and team environment in Kansas City as factors that could benefit Hill's potential comeback.

Why it matters

The potential reunion of Hill, Patrick Mahomes, and Travis Kelce could revive the Chiefs' potent championship-winning offense. Mathieu's perspective underscores confidence in Hill's ability to regain his dominant form given the right circumstances, which Kansas City may be able to provide.

The details

Tyreek Hill's release by the Dolphins comes as he continues to recover from a knee injury sustained in 2025, which included a dislocation, torn ACL, and further ligament damage. Before the injury, Hill's performance had begun to decline, with 81 receptions for 959 yards and six touchdowns in 2024. Mathieu suggested that the Chiefs' environment might offer the stability Hill needs, contrasting it with Miami's more chaotic setting in recent years.

  • Tyreek Hill was released by the Miami Dolphins on Monday.
  • Tyrann Mathieu made his comments about Hill's potential return to the Chiefs on his podcast.

The players

Tyrann Mathieu

A former Kansas City Chiefs star who won a Super Bowl with Tyreek Hill in 2020.

Tyreek Hill

A wide receiver who was recently released by the Miami Dolphins as he continues to recover from a significant knee injury.

Patrick Mahomes

The Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback who is recovering from his own ACL injury suffered late in the 2024 season.

Travis Kelce

The Kansas City Chiefs' tight end whose status for the upcoming season remains to be determined.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not counting him out, coming back being, you know, just as dominant as he was before. I think the next best thing for him is to find a quarterback and an offensive coordinator that likes him, that appreciates his talents, his gifts.”

— Tyrann Mathieu (Podcast)

“I know a lot of people gonna throw his name in the hat, as far as returning and linking back up with Mahomes, which I don't count that out.”

— Tyrann Mathieu (Podcast)

“I think it's hard to get in trouble in Kansas City. Kansas City is not Miami. And so maybe that's something he needs right now, to kind of get back to the Midwest, and to play for a coach who believes you.”

— Tyrann Mathieu (Podcast)

What’s next

The Chiefs are currently in the midst of actively reshaping their roster and salary commitments, with a recent restructuring of Patrick Mahomes' contract generating $43.65 million in salary cap space. The status of tight end Travis Kelce also remains to be determined.

The takeaway

The potential reunion of Tyreek Hill, Patrick Mahomes, and Travis Kelce could revive the Chiefs' potent championship-winning offense, providing both the player and team with significant opportunities as the NFL season progresses.