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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Following a disappointing 32-20 defeat to the New York Jets, star wide receiver Tyreek Hill has expressed dissatisfaction with his situation in Miami and hinted at the possibility of seeking a new team next season.
“This is the first time I haven’t been in the playoffs,” Hill remarked. “For me, I have to do what’s best for me and my family, whether that’s staying here or exploring other options. I’m opening up that door for myself.” He further indicated his intentions by stating, “I’m out, bro. It was great playing here, but ultimately, I need to do what’s right for my career. I’m too much of a competitor to just be going through the motions.”
In the game against the Jets, Hill recorded two receptions for 20 yards, despite being listed as questionable due to a wrist injury and illness. Additionally, he had a punt return for 2 yards in a game that officially eliminated the Dolphins from playoff contention, finishing the season with a disappointing record of 8-9. The Dolphins’ playoff hopes were dashed when the Denver Broncos secured a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs while Miami was still on the field.
Hill lamented the absence of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who missed the last two games of the season due to a hip injury. “Whenever you’re missing your franchise player, it kind of stinks,” he said, highlighting the impact of Tagovailoa’s injury on the team’s performance.
After leading the league with 1,799 receiving yards last season, Hill closed out this season—his third with the Dolphins—with only 959 yards on 81 catches. This marked the first time in his career since 2019 that he failed to surpass the 1,000-yard milestone in a season; that year, he recorded 860 yards while battling injuries.
Following the game, Hill expressed his gratitude to Dolphins fans on social media. “Love fin nation,” he wrote. “Blessing y’all opened doors for the Hill family forever. Nothing but respect and love.”
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, who was unaware of Hill’s comments until they were relayed to him, noted the heightened emotions following a tough game. “There will be direct conversations in the coming days,” McDaniel stated. “Having a team that is united in pursuing a common goal is powerful. I won’t put too much weight on secondhand accounts of postgame disappointment.”
McDaniel revealed that he had been informed midway through the second half that Hill was “unavailable right before a drive” but did not understand it to be due to a new injury. However, Hill claimed he was “pulled” from the game. The coach added, “My focus was on the players competing on the field, trying to win the game.”
Furthermore, McDaniel cautioned against reacting emotionally to such situations after a game. “I won’t rush to judgment on something that might seem unclear in the heat of the moment,” he explained. “We will find clarity and move forward decisively as a football team. I look forward to discussing this with him this week.”
Acquired from the Kansas City Chiefs before the 2022 season, Hill was given a four-year, $120 million contract extension that made him the highest-paid wide receiver at that time. Recently, he agreed to a restructured contract that increased his fully guaranteed earnings to $106.5 million through 2026.
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