The Miami Dolphins just made one of the boldest moves of the 2025 NFL season - and it’s sending shockwaves through South Florida and beyond. With three games left in the regular season, the team has benched quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, turning the keys over to rookie Quinn Ewers. And while that decision alone would be headline-worthy, the ripple effects may be even bigger - especially when it comes to Tyreek Hill.
Hill, who’s been sidelined since September with a season-ending knee injury, didn’t say anything outright. But his reaction on social media spoke volumes. Shortly after the news broke about Tagovailoa’s benching, Hill posted a GIF of someone flashing the peace sign and disappearing - a not-so-subtle “I’m out” moment that’s now fueling speculation about his own future with the franchise.
Let’s break down where things stand with Hill, and why this offseason could be a turning point for both him and the Dolphins.
What’s Next for Tyreek Hill?
The questions surrounding Hill’s future in Miami didn’t start this week - they’ve been simmering since the end of the 2024 season. After the Dolphins’ final game last year, Hill made some cryptic comments that hinted at a possible departure. Ultimately, he returned for 2025, but now the landscape has shifted again.
Hill is rehabbing a serious knee injury, the Dolphins are heading into an offseason of change - including the hiring of a new general manager - and the quarterback situation is now wide open. All signs point to a franchise at a crossroads. And Hill, one of the team’s most high-profile and highest-paid players, is right in the middle of it.
Could Hill Be Done in Miami?
Hill’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, was asked about his client’s future back in November and didn’t offer much clarity - which, in itself, is telling.
“I guess that depends on Tyreek and that depends on the Dolphins,” Rosenhaus said. “I haven’t had any discussions with the Dolphins yet about Tyreek or his future with the team. I’m sure we’ll have those discussions after the season.”
Translation: Nothing is off the table.
From a financial standpoint, the Dolphins could move on from Hill and gain significant cap flexibility. They’d still have to deal with a hefty dead-cap hit in 2026, but the potential savings - especially with a post-June 1 designation - could make it worth the cost. And with a new GM likely wanting to shape the roster in their own image, 2026 could be the right time for a reset.
Is Retirement on the Table?
Hill hasn’t ruled it out. After suffering a dislocated knee and multiple ligament tears - including a torn ACL - during a game against the Jets in September, Hill acknowledged that stepping away from the game is something he’s at least considering.
“I'm happy with the career that I've had,” Hill said in October. “I love playing football.
I love it, but it takes a lot. It takes a lot on you mentally, it takes a lot on you physically.”
He also mentioned that any decision will involve his family and his personal mindset. That timeline remains uncertain, but it’s clear Hill is weighing more than just physical recovery - he’s thinking about legacy, lifestyle, and what comes next.
The Injury: What Happened and What’s Next
Hill’s knee injury was as serious as it gets: a dislocation combined with multiple torn ligaments, including the ACL. But there’s some good news. According to Rosenhaus, Hill avoided nerve damage, blood flow issues, and cartilage damage - all key factors in a successful recovery.
“All of the torn ligaments went back into place, there is no nerve damage, there is no blood flow issues or broken bones and his knee cartilage is fine,” Rosenhaus said. “The goal is for him to be ready next season.”
That’s no small feat. ACL injuries typically require 8 to 12 months of recovery time, and given the extent of Hill’s damage, he’s likely looking at the longer end of that timeline. But if he chooses to keep playing, the expectation is that he’ll be physically ready to go in 2026.
The Contract Situation
Hill is currently in the second year of a three-year, $90 million extension he signed with Miami. His cap hit for 2025 is massive - nearly $52 million - but only part of that is guaranteed.
Here’s where things get interesting: If the Dolphins were to release Hill as a pre-June 1 cut, they’d save over $23 million while taking on more than $28 million in dead money in 2026. If they designate him as a post-June 1 cut, they could spread that dead cap hit over two seasons and save $36 million in 2026.
In other words, there’s a financial path to moving on - and it’s not hard to imagine a new general manager exploring that option, especially with Hill coming off a major injury and the team entering a new era at quarterback.
Final Thoughts
Tyreek Hill’s time in Miami has been electric - no question about it. He’s been one of the most dynamic playmakers in the league since arriving from Kansas City, and when healthy, he changes the geometry of a defense like few others can.
But with a major injury, uncertainty at quarterback, a new GM on the way, and a contract that gives the Dolphins some flexibility, it’s fair to wonder if Hill has already played his last down in a Dolphins uniform.
Whether he decides to retire, return to Miami, or seek a fresh start elsewhere, one thing is clear: The Dolphins are heading into one of their most pivotal offseasons in recent memory - and Tyreek Hill’s future is one of the biggest storylines to watch.