After a four-year run with the Miami Dolphins, former All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill was officially released by the team this week. This move was not a surprise, as Hill suffered a significant left knee injury in Week 4 of the 2025 season, tearing numerous ligaments, including his ACL, and dislocating his knee.
Prior to this injury, Hill had been rumored to be on the trading block at last season's deadline, with the Chiefs atop the list of potential suitors. However, this devastating injury put any of that talk to rest and represents the last time Hill was seen on the field.
Following his release, many Chiefs fans and players alike have been clamoring for Hill to return to Kansas City. The most notable example of this was Chris Jones tweeting “it’s time” (with the clock emoji) at Hill. A return to the Chiefs would present understandable excitement. He is one of the greatest players in franchise history and was a key part of the Chiefs becoming a perennial contender.
However, bringing Hill back also presents significant risks and could prove to be a massive mistake if things go poorly. There are strong arguments both for and against Hill returning to Kansas City, and it's important to look at both the pros and the cons of the situation.
Pro #1: Hill gives Mahomes a trustworthy player in big spots
The Chiefs’ wide receiver room is a question mark heading into 2026. A position that could have been a strength was actually catalytic to the team’s disastrous campaign. Rashee Rice was the group’s top performer, catching 53 passes for 571 yards and 5 touchdowns in just eight games last season. Rice’s numbers projected over a full season would amount to approximately 113 catches for 1,121 yards and 10 touchdowns. While the SMU product was productive when on the field, he did have some key drops in pivotal moments in losses to the Cowboys and Texans. Those are passes that Hill likely hauls in.
Outside of Rice, the Chiefs’ receivers disappointed in 2025. Xavier Worthy did not take the second-year leap that many anticipated following his strong rookie season. In 14 games, Worthy did not eclipse 100 yards in a single contest and was held under 60 yards in all but two games. He also caught just 1 touchdown after finding the end zone 6 times in 2024, plus 3 scores in the postseason.
Other players, such as Hollywood Brown, Tyquan Thornton, and JuJu Smith-Schuster, are pending free agents, none of whom have proven to be viable options at this point. With the possible exception of Thornton, it would not be worthwhile for any of those players to return next season. By adding Hill to the fold, the Chiefs would instantly have a player who could meaningfully contribute to the offense and whom Patrick Mahomes can trust in key spots.
Con #1: Hill is an older receiver coming off a significant injury
While the potential of Hill rejoining the Chiefs is certainly exciting, it must be noted that he is coming off a severe lower-body injury, which could negatively impact his effectiveness as a player. At his best, Hill’s speed and explosiveness were the key parts of his game and what helped make him the player he is. In the aftermath of this injury, Hill’s speed could be noticeably diminished. Additionally, he will turn 32 on March 1, which is an advanced age for a wide receiver.
When you combine Hill’s age with the multiple torn ligaments from which he is recovering, the Chiefs could potentially get a shell of the player he used to be. While this may still be an upgrade over most of the team’s receivers from last season, it would not be enough to get them back atop the AFC standings, and fans would be left disappointed.
Pro #2: The cost shouldn't be an issue
Throughout his 10-year NFL career, Hill has made over $146,000,000 in career earnings. When Kansas City traded him to Miami in 2022, the Dolphins gave him a four-year, $120 million contract extension with an average annual salary of $30 million. Following his outstanding 2023 season, Miami restructured Hill’s contract, giving him a three-year, $90 million extension, which made him the highest-paid skill-position player in league history in total career earnings.
Prior to his release, Hill had just one season left on his deal. Given Hill’s accomplishments, lofty career earnings, and the fact that he mulled retirement in an October podcast appearance, it would be fair to think that he would sign a team-friendly deal, which would allow the Chiefs to allocate further resources elsewhere. In the event that Hill comes in and is anywhere near the player he was prior to his injury, Hill could be a steal for the Chiefs.
Con #2: Hill showed signs of decline prior to the injury
While the injury Hill is recovering from is significant in its own right, there was a noticeable dip in his production in his last fully healthy season in 2024. Despite appearing in all 17 games, Hill caught 81 passes for just 959 yards and 6 touchdowns. This marked just the third season in which he failed to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark, with the other two being his rookie year and 2019, when he missed four games.
Now, some context is key. Miami’s starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, appeared in just 11 contests, as he dealt with concussions throughout the year. Due to this, Hill was tasked with catching passes from the likes of Tyler “Snoop” Huntley, Skylar Thompson, and Tim Boyle. It is fair to assume that Patrick Mahomes represents a significant upgrade over this trio. However, Hill’s dip in production in a season in which he was fully healthy is worth noting.
Pro #3: Tyreek will be highly motivated to win
While Hill’s individual numbers increased throughout his first two seasons in South Beach, the winning he enjoyed in Kansas City did not follow him. Throughout his three healthy seasons as a Dolphin, the team made the playoffs twice and lost in the Wild Card round both times, with the most recent defeat being a 26–7 loss to the Chiefs. In his two premier seasons in Miami, the team got off to a hot start both times but faltered down the stretch and limped into the postseason.
During his Chiefs tenure, Hill won a Super Bowl, played in another, and appeared in four consecutive AFC Championship Games. If he were to return to Kansas City, the eight-time Pro Bowl receiver could have an opportunity to truly contend for a title for the first time since the 2021 season. For a player who could be nearing the end of an incredible career, Hill could see this as one final opportunity to win another championship with the team where he won his first.
Con #3: Hill may not be available until late in the season
Given the severity of the injury he suffered, there is a likely scenario in which Hill may not be ready to play until the latter portion of the season. While the ACL tear and numerous torn ligaments are devastating in their own right, Hill also dislocated his knee, which adds to the severity and could elongate his rehab process. In this case, the Chiefs would be signing a player who would not participate for at least the first half of the year, which some may view as an improper allocation of resources.
If the Chiefs want to upgrade their receiver room, it's easy to argue that they should look to add a player who can meaningfully contribute right away. Some players who may fit that bill include Mike Evans, Alec Pierce, and Rashid Shaheed, all of whom are hitting free agency. Additionally, they could look to draft players like Makai Lemon or Carnell Tate. While these players may not have the star power or placement within Chiefs lore that Hill does, they may be better options at this point given the circumstances.
Tyreek Hill rejoining the Chiefs is certainly interesting to consider. He is a future Hall of Fame player who has an argument to be the most electrifying player of this generation. If Hill were to return to Kansas City, it would provide both players and fans with a newfound sense of optimism that he could offer one last glimpse of the excitement he created while wearing that uniform. However, there are clear downsides in a Hill reunion that could blow up in the Chiefs’ faces should it go poorly. One thing is certain: if the Chiefs sign Hill, the 2026 season will not lack storylines.