The AFC East is shifting, and while the Buffalo Bills are tweaking their defensive identity, they’re not blowing things up. The same can’t be said for the Miami Dolphins, who are diving headfirst into a new era under general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley. And the first major domino has fallen - wide receiver Tyreek Hill is being released.
According to Adam Schefter, the Dolphins are moving on from Hill, a move that was anticipated given the financial relief it provides and the serious knee injury Hill suffered last season - a dislocated knee and torn ACL. For a player who built his career on elite speed and explosiveness, that kind of injury is no small hurdle.
As expected, the moment the news broke, the NFL world started buzzing about where Hill might land next. On ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A.
Smith threw out three potential landing spots: Kansas City, Buffalo, and Baltimore. Naturally, the idea of a reunion with Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City drew attention, but Smith also floated the Bills as a potential destination.
Let’s unpack that.
From a pure roster construction standpoint, it’s no secret that Buffalo needs help at wide receiver. Stefon Diggs' production has dipped, and the offense is still looking for that consistent, game-breaking target to pair with Josh Allen.
On paper, Hill - even a post-injury version - brings that kind of threat. His route-running, vertical speed, and ability to turn short catches into big gains have terrorized defenses for years.
But this isn’t the same Tyreek Hill who lit up the league in Kansas City. He’s coming off a major knee injury, and there’s no clear timeline for when he’ll be back at full speed - or if he ever will be. Add in the fact that he’s no longer in his prime, and the risk starts to outweigh the reward.
For Buffalo, the question isn’t just about talent - it’s about timing, fit, and value. The Bills are in a window where they need to maximize every dollar and every roster spot to support their franchise quarterback. Committing significant resources to a receiver recovering from a torn ACL, especially one whose game is built on burst and agility, is a gamble.
Unless Hill is willing to sign a team-friendly deal and there’s real optimism about his ability to contribute in 2026, this feels like a move Buffalo can afford to pass on. They’ve already spent years trying to get the wide receiver room right - and while Hill’s name carries weight, this might not be the time to chase it.
The smarter play? Look to the draft.
This year’s class is deep with pass-catching talent, and the Bills would benefit from injecting some youth and long-term upside into their offense. Josh Allen needs a reliable weapon he can grow with - not a short-term swing on a veteran with injury concerns.
Hill’s release is a headline. But for Buffalo, it shouldn’t be a call to action.