The Pittsburgh Steelers just saw a big-name receiver hit the open market - but with some serious caveats. On Monday, the Miami Dolphins released Tyreek Hill, a move that immediately grabs attention given Hill’s past production and game-breaking speed.
But this isn’t the same “Cheetah” that terrorized defenses during his All-Pro peak. This version of Hill is coming off a significant knee injury and enters free agency with more questions than answers.
Hill was designated with a failed physical upon release, which tells us a lot about where he stands health-wise. The injury - suffered back in September - wasn’t just a minor setback.
He tore multiple ligaments, including the ACL, and underwent surgery shortly after. Now, more than four months later, his recovery is still in progress.
His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has said Hill is working his way back, and Hill himself has vowed to return to the field. But any team considering signing him - including the Steelers, who were once rumored to have interest when he was a trade candidate - will need to take a long, hard look at his medicals.
Even before the injury, Hill’s production had dipped. In 2024, he finished with 959 receiving yards across 17 games - a far cry from the 1,700-yard season he posted in 2023, when he earned Pro Bowl honors and looked every bit the elite playmaker we’ve come to expect.
That drop-off raises some fair questions: Was it a product of the Dolphins’ offensive shifts? A sign of wear and tear?
Or the early signs of physical decline? Either way, that was before the injury, and now the hill to climb (no pun intended) looks even steeper.
There’s also another layer to this story. Hill is under investigation by the NFL for a domestic violence incident involving his ex-wife. While nothing has been finalized, the league’s probe could result in a suspension, adding another wrinkle for any team weighing the risk-reward of bringing him in.
For the Steelers - or any team in need of a veteran receiver - Hill’s name carries weight. At his best, he’s a game-changer.
But right now, there are too many unknowns. His health, his availability, and his ability to return to form are all up in the air.
The talent is undeniable, but this version of Tyreek Hill is far from a sure thing.