Tyreek Hill cut by Dolphins amid cap concerns

Dolphins release star receiver as NFL salary cap set to rise to $300 million in 2026

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Miami Dolphins have released star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, just a year after acquiring him in a blockbuster trade. The move comes as the NFL salary cap is expected to jump past $300 million in 2026, giving teams more flexibility to sign and retain top talent. However, some players are still not worth their high cap hits, leading the Dolphins to part ways with Hill despite his on-field production.

Why it matters

The Dolphins' decision to cut Tyreek Hill highlights the challenges teams face in managing the salary cap, even as it continues to rise. It suggests that even elite players can become expendable if their contracts no longer align with their production and value to the team. This move could set a precedent for other teams to make tough decisions on high-priced stars in the coming years.

The details

According to reports, the Dolphins will save $24 million in cap space by releasing Hill, whose contract had a $29 million cap hit for 2026. The difference between the cap figure and potential savings is due to the way signing bonuses are spread across the life of a contract. Hill's $15 million signing bonus was prorated over the three years of his deal, resulting in a $5 million difference between his cap hit and the savings the Dolphins will realize.

  • The NFL salary cap is expected to rise to over $300 million in 2026.
  • The 2026 league year begins on March 12.

The players

Tyreek Hill

A star wide receiver who was traded to the Dolphins in 2022 but is now being released due to his high salary cap hit.

Miami Dolphins

The NFL team that has decided to release Tyreek Hill despite his on-field production, as they look to manage their salary cap.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The Dolphins' decision to release Tyreek Hill despite his elite production highlights the challenges teams face in managing the salary cap, even as it continues to rise. This move could set a precedent for other teams to make tough decisions on high-priced stars in the coming years, as they seek to balance roster construction with financial constraints.