Last year, the Kansas City Chiefs saw the Miami Dolphins and old friend Tyreek Hill in the Wild Card round. Fast forward to 2024, and the Chiefs are back to claim the AFC's number-one seed with home-field advantage in their possession. The Dolphins are not in the playoff dance this time around, however. And overall, Hill has already made some eyebrow-raising comments about his thoughts about Miami going forward.
The Dolphins did not get the help that they needed from the Chiefs on Sunday in a 38-0 loss to the Broncos. Nonetheless, it was a flat finish for Hill and the rest of the Dolphins against the New York Jets, who lost by 12 points and finished the season with a record of 8-9. Hill had just two catches for 20 yards in the season finale. The star wideout also failed to hit the 1,000-yard receiving plateau for the first time since 2019.
What could possibly come with the comments that Tyreek Hill made after Sunday's loss? Plus, will we ever see the speedster leave for a new landing spot?
Tyreek "Opening The Door" To Questionable Future
The Dolphins have struggled to get over the hump for years now, and amid many quotes that Hill gave after the game to reporters, one response stood out more than any others. "I'm opening the door," Hill said. "I'm out bro. It was great playing here, but at the end of the day I got to do what's best for my career. I'm too much of a competitor to be just out there."
#Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill says he wants out of Miami, via @OmarKelly: pic.twitter.com/I6T08rKddm
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 6, 2025
It's common for players to vent their frustrations at the end of a season. There are a couple of factors as to why Hill's response is so alarming, however. It was clear when he was traded from Kansas City that he preferred Miami as a landing spot. Being able to play in Florida and to have his home games in a warm climate were also huge for a player of his skill set. To see how frustrated he is after this particular season is a stark contrast to the feelings Hill was portraying not that long ago.
A First For Hill's Career
Not only was this a season under 1,000 receiving yards, but Hill will also not be in the postseason for the first time in his career. The playoffs have been a shining light in his career full of highlight-reel moments. In 15 career playoff games, Hill has tallied 96 receptions, 1,212 receiving yards, and six receiving touchdowns.
It will be at least another full season before Hill will be able to add to those figures. The question now is, will Hill be adding to those in Miami or elsewhere?
When the trade to the Dolphins took place, it was a stunningly quick situation. Most signs were pointing to an extension with the Chiefs. Yet in a hurry, the market began to change as free agency got underway, and the shift led to the trade that helped Kansas City rebuild its roster with so much young talent. It has also been a stretch of back-to-back Super Bowl wins for the Chiefs after trading Hill away. That is something that seemed impossible according to analysts after trading Hill.
Dolphins Hold Leverage In Part Of Hill's Future
According to Spotrac, Tyreek Hill is under contract with the Miami Dolphins for two more seasons. He will not be an unrestricted free agent until 2027. Yet, Miami has a potential out in the deal that they can exercise after next year, if they so choose. His cap hit is set to be $28.69 million in 2025 before it jumps up to $51.89 million in 2026.
Overall, Miami would face a significant dead cap hit in 2025 if they were to somehow move on this offseason. That idea could very well be a bridge that the Dolphins never choose to cross. If Hill's career has shown us anything so far, nothing is out of the question. He has a powerful agent in Drew Rosenhaus. When it comes to business involving his name, things can turn on a dime, just as quickly as Tyreek himself.
If Hill has somehow played his last down in Miami, where could the playmaker go? It is unlikely that he would directly return to the Chiefs unless the contract is completely altered. But for what it is worth, Kareem Hunt eventually returned to Kansas City after it seemed like he never would, for other various reasons. Perhaps Hill can find his way back one day—if Miami will let him.