Dolphins Cut Tyreek Hill in Cost-Saving Roster Overhaul

On President's Day, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 (ET), the Miami Dolphins stunned the league by releasing wide receiver Tyreek Hill as part of a broad package of moves designed to clear cap space and reshape the roster. The decision ends Hill's four-year run in Miami and sends one of the most explosive playmakers of the past decade into free agency while he rehabs a major knee injury.

Hill’s status, injury and career in Miami

Hill leaves Miami as an eight-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro with 819 career receptions for 11, 363 yards and 83 touchdowns. The 31-year-old will enter his age-32 season as a free agent and can sign with a new team immediately rather than waiting for the new league year in March.

His 2025 campaign was cut short in Week 4 by a dislocated knee and torn ligaments. At the time of the injury he had 21 catches for 265 yards and one touchdown. The seriousness of the knee injury makes his availability for 2026 unclear, and teams that pursue him will factor rehabilitation timeline and age into contract discussions.

Hill’s four seasons in Miami featured two historic years immediately after his trade in 2022. He produced consecutive seasons of at least 1, 700 receiving yards — both on 119 receptions — and in 2023 he set career highs with 1, 799 yards and 13 receiving touchdowns. While his post-injury ceiling is uncertain, his track record as a deep threat and playmaker ensures he will remain an intriguing option for teams in need of explosive receiving talent.

Roster shakeup and cap implications for Miami

The release is the most significant move in a flurry that also includes cuts at other positions. The team announced the releases of guard James Daniels and wideout Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and pass rusher Bradley Chubb was also expected to be part of the cost-saving maneuvers, though his designation may change to a post-June 1 cut to maximize cap flexibility.

Together, the cuts clear more than $56 million in 2026 cap space, a dramatic swing from the Dolphins’ position a day earlier when they were approximately $17. 4 million over the cap. Releasing Hill also prevents roughly $11 million of his contract from becoming fully guaranteed this month, a key financial factor behind the timing of the move.

The roster shakeup marks the beginning of an extensive rebuild under head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, who are taking a decisive approach to reshape a team that fell from two straight playoff appearances to back-to-back losing seasons.

Immediate holes and next steps for both sides

Miami now faces a significant wide receiver reset. The departures leave the Dolphins with two players who posted double-digit catches in 2025: Jaylen Waddle and Malik Washington. Other contributors such as Cedrick Wilson and D’Wayne Eskridge are pending free agents. At the same time, questions remain about the quarterback situation and who will be throwing the ball in 2026.

From Hill’s perspective, this is the first time in his career he will test free agency. Teams weighing a bid will juggle his elite production history against the recovery timeline and his age. A measured approach to his next contract—short-term deals with injury protections, incentives, or prove-it opportunities—seems likely.

For Miami, the newly created cap space and the No. 11 overall pick in the April draft provide avenues to address pressing needs. The current moves signal a willingness to reset personnel and payroll quickly, even if that means parting with some of the most recognizable players from recent years.

Ultimately, the Hill release is a high-stakes calculation: it sacrifices an immediate on-field impact for financial flexibility and long-term construction under a new front office. The coming weeks will reveal whether Miami uses the freed resources to reload aggressively or to continue a broader rebuild that reshapes the roster for the Hafley-Sullivan era.