Steelers Weigh Pros and Cons of Signing Star WR Tyreek Hill

Veteran wideout Tyreek Hill is a free agent after being released by the Dolphins, and the Steelers are considering adding him to boost their passing attack.

Feb. 17, 2026 at 3:15pm

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are considering signing free agent wide receiver Tyreek Hill after his recent release from the Miami Dolphins. Hill, a five-time First-Team All-Pro, would provide a major boost to the Steelers' passing game, which struggled in 2025. However, signing Hill carries some risks, including his outspoken personality, history of off-field issues, and concerns about whether he can return to his previous elite form after recent injuries.

Why it matters

The Steelers desperately need to improve their passing attack and add more receiving weapons around star wideout DK Metcalf. Hill would be a game-changing addition, but his baggage could also disrupt the team's locker room dynamics and chemistry if not handled properly.

The details

Hill, 31, is coming off a 2025 season cut short by a torn ACL, and there are questions about whether he can regain his previous elite form. In his most recent full season in 2024, he had 81 receptions for 959 yards with the Dolphins. The Steelers have around $45 million in salary cap space to potentially sign Hill, but his outspoken personality and history of off-field issues, including domestic violence allegations, could give the team pause about adding him to the roster.

  • Hill was released by the Dolphins on Monday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Tyreek Hill

A 31-year-old free agent wide receiver who was recently released by the Miami Dolphins. Hill is a five-time First-Team All-Pro and one of the most productive receivers in the NFL, but he has a history of off-field issues.

DK Metcalf

The Steelers' top wide receiver, who recorded 850 receiving yards in 15 games in 2025 but needs more support from the rest of the receiving corps.

Mike McCarthy

The Steelers' new head coach, who may be hesitant to bring in an outspoken player like Hill given his more defensive-minded approach.

Mike Tomlin

The Steelers' previous head coach, whose more defensive-focused approach contributed to the team's struggles in the passing game.

Aaron Rodgers

The Steelers' veteran quarterback, who may or may not return for one more season with the team.

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What they’re saying

“Regardless if quarterback Aaron Rodgers returns for one more season or if new head coach Mike McCarthy can find a way to strategize a better offensive gameplay than his more defensively minded predecessor, Mike Tomlin, the Steelers will still need to improve their passing game, and that means addressing their lack of wide receiver depth above all else.”

— Mike J. Asti, Author

What’s next

The Steelers will need to carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks of signing Tyreek Hill, considering his on-field production, injury history, and off-field concerns, as they look to bolster their passing attack for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Signing Tyreek Hill could provide a major boost to the Steelers' passing game, but the team will have to balance his elite talent with the potential disruption his outspoken personality and off-field baggage could cause in the locker room. This is a high-risk, high-reward decision that could significantly impact the Steelers' fortunes next season.