MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins currently do not seem poised to trade Tyreek Hill, though changes to the team’s culture could be on the table following a disappointing 2024 season marred by player tardiness and other issues. Hill recently met with both general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel in separate discussions after expressing a desire to rethink his future in Miami, particularly following a tough loss to the New York Jets that marked the end of a season where the Dolphins failed to qualify for the playoffs.
During Grier’s end-of-season news conference, he indicated that although Hill did mention enjoying his time in Miami, he acknowledged the need to prioritize his own career. However, Grier also clarified that Hill did not explicitly request a trade from the team during their talks. “We had productive conversations,” Grier stated, preferring to keep specific details private. He added that Hill’s emotions ran high this season, especially in games where the team had a chance to change their narrative after starting with a 2-6 record, while he dealt with a wrist injury.
In the season finale, Hill recorded just two receptions for 20 yards and opted to leave the game early, sitting out the fourth quarter. McDaniel later told Hill that this behavior was unacceptable, marking their lengthy discussion as a turning point. The coach noted that his relationship with Hill remains intact, emphasizing the competitive emotions that often surface at the end of challenging games.
“His intense competitive nature can sometimes misrepresent the nature of our relationship,” McDaniel commented. He expressed that they had open discussions regarding the need for accountability and standards, clarifying that Hill’s departure from the game was a behavior that wouldn’t be tolerated in the future. Instead of anything needing to be resolved, it was about clearing the air following a turbulent situation.
The dissatisfaction expressed by Hill reflects broader issues within the Dolphins organization this past season, including repeated instances of players arriving late to meetings. McDaniel, recognized for his approachable coaching style, mentioned that he had handed out fines to players on multiple occasions, stating that these actions alone had proven insufficient to promote compliance with team standards. He underscored the importance of everyone on the team understanding their responsibilities moving forward.
Teammate Zach Sieler echoed this sentiment, advocating for a collective commitment to higher standards, particularly concerning attendance during optional practices and offseason workouts. “It’s our responsibility as players and leaders to uphold expectations and maintain discipline throughout the season,” Sieler stated. He recognized the need for early focus in both the season’s onset and training camp to avoid past missteps.
McDaniel acknowledged that he too needs to perform better in his role, with linebacker Bradley Chubb confirming that the coach has shared plans to improve his leadership abilities in the upcoming year. “He’s made the commitment to be better, and we are all behind him in that effort,” Chubb noted.
Following a disappointing 8-9 season, Grier stated this performance is not representative of the Dolphins’ standards and expressed mutual disappointment with the results. He highlighted the progress made in the last couple of years ever since the team began reshaping in 2019, having reached the playoffs in 2022 and 2023, yet still seeking their first postseason victory since 2000. The franchise initially hoped for a different outcome this season before injuries derailed those aspirations.
The performance of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is under particular scrutiny, as Grier identified his injuries as a critical factor in the Dolphins’ missed playoff opportunity. Tagovailoa, who recently signed a substantial contract extension, missed six games—a career high—due to concussions and a subsequent hip injury suffered late in the season.
“His health and availability are of utmost importance,” Grier remarked. “Given where he’s come from, we have seen growth, but he must learn to keep himself on the field. While there’s always a risk involved in the game, he must be in control of what he can manage, and he’s aware of this.” Grier reiterated that regular unavailability is unacceptable and emphasized the necessity for Tagovailoa to prioritize his well-being to improve the team’s overall performance in the future.
