Dolphins release tyreek hill in salary-cap purge, star wideout enters free agency
The Miami Dolphins moved decisively on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 (ET), releasing five-time All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill as part of a broader cost-saving overhaul that clears significant cap room and signals a new direction under the franchise's coaching and front-office changes.
What the move means for Hill and Miami
Hill, who will enter free agency ahead of his age-32 season, leaves Miami while rehabbing a dislocated knee and torn ligaments sustained in Week 4 of the 2025 campaign. At the time of the injury he had 21 catches for 265 yards and one touchdown on the season. Career totals stand at 819 receptions for 11, 363 yards and 83 receiving touchdowns, numbers that cement his place among the most dangerous deep threats of the last decade.
The release immediately frees salary-cap space. The Dolphins cut several veterans on the same day, and the package of moves creates more than $56 million in 2026 cap relief. In Hill's case, a roughly $11 million portion of his contract would have become fully guaranteed later this month, making timing a key factor in Miami’s decision to move on now.
For Hill, being released means he can sign with a new team immediately rather than waiting for the start of the new league year in March. Yet the seriousness of his recent knee injury and his age mean that any suitor will be weighing short-term health and long-term value. It would not be surprising if Hill takes some additional time to evaluate medical updates and his recovery timeline before committing to his next step.
Roster fallout and the Dolphins' rebuild
Hill’s departure is the most notable part of a seismic roster shakeup that also included departures at pass rusher and other positions. Miami now finds itself with a drastically altered receiving corps: only a couple of players who posted double-digit catches last season remain as clear contributors. Several other wideouts are pending free agency, and the team will need to restock the room free agency, trades, or the draft.
The cap space created by these moves gives the front office flexibility in the coming weeks. Miami also holds the No. 11 overall pick in April’s draft, a valuable asset as the new regime looks to remake a roster that slipped from consecutive playoff berths to back-to-back losing seasons. The timing underscores an aggressive pivot in personnel strategy driven by the new coaching staff and general manager.
Where Hill could land and what teams will consider
Despite the knee injury, Hill remains an intriguing option for teams seeking a veteran playmaker who can alter defensive schematics. Possible fits include clubs with pressing receiving needs or those bringing in young quarterbacks who would benefit from an experienced, field-stretching target. Teams with cap flexibility may view a one-year, performance-based arrangement as a low-risk, high-reward gamble if Hill’s rehab progresses well.
Practical considerations will dominate negotiations. Medical evaluations, role clarity, and contract structure — including guarantees and outs tied to health — will shape interest. Any team that signs Hill will also need to factor in how his presence affects route distribution and whether schemes can maximize his unique speed even if he’s not the same explosive player he was at his peak.
This release marks a turning point for both Hill and the Dolphins. For Miami, it clears room to pursue multiple roster solutions. For Hill, it represents the beginning of a new chapter: a high-profile player, now a free agent, navigating recovery while evaluating where he can best continue a Hall of Fame-caliber career.
