Tyreek Hill Released by Dolphins Amid Uncertain Future Following Major Knee Injury
Tyreek Hill is officially a free agent after the Miami Dolphins released the All-Pro wide receiver on Monday. But while he's technically available to sign with any team, the reality is far more complicated - and potentially career-defining.
Hill suffered a serious knee injury during a Week 4 matchup against the New York Jets that ended his 2025 season prematurely. The specifics of the injury are daunting: a dislocated knee and multiple torn ligaments. As teams begin shaping their rosters for 2026, Hill's timeline for recovery remains unclear - and there’s growing concern about whether the explosive receiver will ever return to the field.
Dr. David Chao, a respected NFL injury analyst and former team physician for the Chargers, weighed in with a sobering assessment. According to Chao, Hill still faces another surgery, and the severity of the injury - especially given Hill’s speed-reliant play style - puts his future in jeopardy.
“With another surgery still ahead, he’s unlikely to return until late this season, and it’s possible he won’t be back until next year,” Chao posted on social media. He added that the nature of the injury - particularly the knee dislocation - raises red flags for potential nerve damage, which can be a major long-term concern for any athlete, let alone one whose game is built on elite acceleration and change of direction.
Hill was released with what is widely assumed to be a failed physical designation, although that detail hasn’t been officially confirmed. Either way, he won’t be eligible to sign with a new team until he’s medically cleared to play - and that could be a long wait.
Despite the uncertainty, Hill’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told Sports Extra that Hill “does intend to play next season,” though he acknowledged that decision could change depending on how the rehab process unfolds.
From a football standpoint, Hill’s résumé speaks for itself. Before injuries derailed his 2025 campaign, he was one of the most feared offensive weapons in the league.
Between 2022 and 2023, Hill posted back-to-back seasons with over 1,700 receiving yards - numbers that put him in rarefied air. He had topped 1,200 yards in four straight seasons heading into 2024 and has six 1,100-yard seasons in his 10-year career.
He’s also notched 12 or more touchdowns in three different seasons and helped the Kansas City Chiefs capture a Super Bowl title in 2020.
But 2024 showed signs of a slowdown. Hill played all 17 games but finished with 81 catches for 959 yards - solid numbers by most standards, but well below his usual production. Then came the 2025 injury, cutting short what was already shaping up to be a challenging season.
Still, even with the injury cloud hanging overhead, Hill’s name is bound to surface in conversations among teams looking to add veteran firepower to their receiving corps. His track record, versatility, and game-breaking speed - if he can return to form - make him a tantalizing option. But that’s a big “if” right now.
For now, Hill’s focus will be on recovery. Whether he suits up again in 2026 or beyond remains to be seen, but if he does get healthy, expect teams to line up for a chance to bring the Cheetah back to the gridiron.