Sports
Tyreek Hill Dropped: Dolphins Cut $51M Star After Brutal Injury
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Published: February 16, 2026 | Updated: 11:45 AM EST
In a stunning roster overhaul, the Miami Dolphins have officially released wide receiver Tyreek Hill, ending the electrifying but turbulent four-year tenure of the five-time All-Pro . The move, confirmed by multiple sources on Monday, comes just weeks before $16 million in contract guarantees would have kicked in on March 14 .
The Financial Reality Bites
Let’s be real—Dolphins fans saw this coming from a mile away. Hill’s 2026 cap hit was a wallet-busting $51.1 million, and with the team sitting $17.4 million over the salary cap, something had to give .
By cutting Hill now, Miami saves $22.9 million against the cap while swallowing a $28.2 million dead cap hit . If the Dolphins designate him as a post-June 1 release, those savings jump to $35.2 million—though some of that pain gets pushed to 2027 .
Here’s the kicker: Hill would’ve seen $11 million of his base salary become fully guaranteed, plus a $5 million roster bonus if he remained on the roster past March 14 . The Dolphins essentially made a business decision at the 11th hour.
That Gruesome Knee Injury Changed Everything
Remember that Monday night game against the Jets back in September? The one where Hill went down and the whole stadium went silent?
It was bad. Really bad.
Hill dislocated his left knee and tore multiple ligaments, including his ACL . The recovery has been brutal—he recently told People magazine he’s finally walking without a brace, but his availability for the 2026 season remains very much up in the air .
Before the injury, Hill had just 21 catches for 265 yards and one touchdown in four games . Coming off his least productive season in 2024, the writing was basically on the wall.
By the Numbers: The Miami Legacy
Let’s give credit where it’s due. When Hill was on the field, he was must-watch TV:
- 340 receptions in four seasons
- 4,733 receiving yards
- 27 touchdowns
- NFL-leading 1,799 yards in that magical 2023 campaign
The Dolphins traded a first, second, and two fourth-round picks to Kansas City for Hill ahead of the 2022 season, then handed him a $120 million extension . For two years, he looked worth every penny and every draft pick.
But father time—and devastating knee injuries—waits for no one, not even the Cheetah.
The Off-Field Baggage
We can’t ignore the elephant in the room. Hill’s time in Miami was marred by multiple off-field incidents that gave Dolphins brass plenty of headaches .
In September 2025, his estranged wife Keeta Vaccaro filed court documents alleging multiple instances of domestic violence dating back to early 2024 . The allegations included physical altercations dating back to early 2024 . Hill’s attorneys have denied the allegations, calling them “baseless” and a “money grab” .
The NFL opened a review of the allegations in September 2025, though its status remains unclear . This isn’t Hill’s first rodeo with legal issues—he pleaded guilty to domestic violence charges in 2015 and was investigated (but not charged) in a 2019 child abuse case .
What’s Next for the Cheetah?
Hill turns 32 on March 1 . He’s facing an uphill battle:
- Recovering from major knee surgery that might require additional procedures
- Proving he can still run 4.2 after a catastrophic injury
- Finding a team willing to take a chance on an aging receiver with baggage
Hill recently told People his focus is “just playing ball and spending time with my kids” . He hasn’t hinted at retirement, but NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported it’s “unclear when or if he’ll play in 2026” .
The Dolphins’ Fire Sale
Hill isn’t the only big name heading out the door. Miami is cleaning house:
- Bradley Chubb (two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher) released
- James Daniels (guard) released after missing most of two seasons with injuries
- Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (receiver) released
Combined, these moves clear nearly $67 million in cap space . New head coach Jeff Hafley (hired in January after Mike McDaniel’s departure) is putting his stamp on this roster, and apparently, that stamp doesn’t include massive contracts for injured veterans.
The Wide Receiver Carousel
Hill now joins a surprisingly deep pool of available receivers that includes Deebo Samuel, Christian Kirk, and Jauan Jennings . The question is: how many of them will be ready to contribute in 2026?
For Hill, the road back is long. For the Dolphins, the rebuild starts now.
Looking Ahead
Miami’s current receiver room suddenly looks very young: Jaylen Waddle, Malik Washington, Tahj Washington, Terrace Marshall, and Theo Wease . That’s a lot of potential, but not a lot of proven production.
The Dolphins are betting on youth, cap flexibility, and a fresh start under Hafley. Whether that bet pays off remains to be seen.
As for Hill? The Cheetah has beaten the odds before. But at 32, coming off a shredded knee, with legal battles looming? This might be his toughest test yet.
Related: Dolphins 2026 Salary Cap Breakdown | Top Free Agent Wide Receivers 2026 | Tyreek Hill Career Stats