Tyreek Hill Released by Miami Dolphins in Major Salary Cap Shake-Up
In a move that has sent ripples through the National Football League, the Miami Dolphins have reportedly released star wide receiver Tyreek Hill. The decision, confirmed by multiple outlets on Monday, is a significant cost-saving measure aimed at freeing up substantial salary cap space ahead of the new league year.
Massive Cap Savings and a Star's Departure
The release of Tyreek Hill, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and five-time All-Pro, is projected to save the Dolphins approximately $22.8 million against their 2026 salary cap. This move comes as the team, under new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, faces a significant deficit in cap space, with projections indicating they were over the limit before these cuts. The new league year is set to commence on March 11th, making these financial adjustments crucial for roster building.
Hill, who turns 32 on March 1st, was in the midst of recovering from a season-ending ACL and dislocated knee injury sustained in a late September game against the New York Jets. This marks the first time in his illustrious career that the electrifying speedster will enter free agency as an unrestricted free agent.
A Storied Career in Miami and Beyond
Before his injury in the 2025 season, Hill had started four games, recording 21 receptions for 265 yards and one touchdown. His career statistics are nothing short of remarkable, boasting 819 receptions for 11,363 yards and 83 touchdowns across 145 games (127 starts) with both the Kansas City Chiefs (2016-2021) and the Dolphins. Miami acquired Hill in a blockbuster trade prior to the 2022 season, subsequently signing him to a lucrative four-year, $120 million contract extension. At the time of signing, this deal made him the highest-paid wide receiver in the league, highlighting his immense value and impact.
More Roster Carnage: Bradley Chubb and Others Cut
The Dolphins' cost-cutting spree did not end with Hill. The team also parted ways with veteran pass rusher Bradley Chubb, a two-time Pro Bowl selection who led the team in sacks last season. Chubb's release is expected to save Miami $7.3 million with an immediate release or $20.2 million as a post-June 1st designation. Chubb, who turns 30 on June 24th, had a significant cap hit for 2026 after his contract was restructured the previous year.
Chubb had a strong showing in the 2025 season, starting all 17 games after missing the entirety of the 2024 season due to a torn ACL. He recorded 8.5 sacks and 20 quarterback hits, along with 47 tackles, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. Throughout his career, Chubb has amassed 48 sacks, 112 QB hits, 303 tackles, and 15 forced fumbles over 90 games with the Denver Broncos and the Dolphins.
Furthermore, reports indicate the Dolphins are also releasing receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and guard James Daniels. Westbrook-Ikhine, who signed a two-year deal last March, had limited production. Daniels, a significant free-agent acquisition, played only three snaps before suffering a season-ending pectoral injury in Week 1 of the 2025 season, leading to substantial dead cap implications for the team.
The Impact on the Dolphins' Future
The decisions to release Hill and Chubb, two prominent figures on the Dolphins' roster, signal a strategic shift for the franchise. While the immediate financial relief is substantial, the team now faces the challenge of replacing the production and leadership of these key players. The departure of Hill, in particular, leaves a significant void at the wide receiver position, prompting questions about how the Dolphins will address this in the upcoming offseason. The team's ability to navigate free agency and the NFL Draft effectively will be under intense scrutiny as they aim to remain competitive in the AFC East.
