The Miami Dolphins are staring down one of the most pivotal offseasons in recent memory. The headline decision, of course, centers around quarterback Tua Tagovailoa - whether he stays, gets traded, or is released will shape the direction of the franchise. But flying just under that radar is another massive question: What happens with Tyreek Hill?
Hill’s future in Miami is far from certain. With a hefty contract and the team looking to create cap flexibility, releasing the All-Pro wideout is very much on the table.
Cutting him would free up significant financial resources - but it would also leave a massive hole in the offense. Hill has been a game-breaking presence since arriving in Miami, and replacing that kind of explosiveness isn’t easy.
That’s where Deebo Samuel enters the conversation.
According to reports, the Dolphins are being floated as a top landing spot for Samuel, the former San Francisco 49ers All-Pro whose unique skill set could make him an intriguing fit in Mike McDaniel’s offense. Samuel is no stranger to the system - and he’s no stranger to the man now calling plays in Miami, Bobby Slowik, who was part of San Francisco’s offensive staff during Samuel’s peak years.
Samuel’s career has been a bit of a rollercoaster. At his best, he’s a nightmare for defenses - a true hybrid threat who can torch you as a receiver and punish you in the run game.
His 2021 All-Pro season was electric: 1,405 receiving yards, six touchdowns through the air, and another eight scores on the ground. He was a matchup problem every time he touched the ball.
But the last couple of seasons have seen a dip in production. In 2024, Samuel posted career lows across the board - 670 receiving yards, just three touchdowns, and a modest 136 rushing yards with one score. Injuries and inconsistency played a role, and it looked like the wear and tear might be catching up.
Then came a bit of a rebound. After a brief stint with the Washington Commanders, Samuel showed signs of life in 2025: 727 receiving yards, five touchdowns, and flashes of the versatility that made him such a weapon in his prime. He added another 75 yards and a touchdown on the ground, reminding teams that he can still make plays in space.
Is he the same player who terrorized defenses in 2021? Probably not.
But that doesn’t mean he’s not valuable. In the right system - one that understands how to maximize his dual-threat ability - Samuel can still be a dynamic contributor.
That’s where the Dolphins come in. If Miami does move on from Hill, they’ll need someone who can bring creativity and physicality to the offense.
Pairing Samuel with Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane would give the Dolphins a trio of explosive, multi-dimensional playmakers. It wouldn’t be a one-for-one replacement for Hill - no one is - but it would give Miami a new look that could still keep defensive coordinators up at night.
And don’t underestimate the value of familiarity. Samuel reuniting with Bobby Slowik could be the spark that reignites his career.
Slowik knows how to use him. He’s seen what Samuel can do when deployed creatively - motion, jet sweeps, screens, quick slants, backfield snaps - the full package.
In an offense that thrives on speed and misdirection, Samuel could be a natural fit.
So while the Dolphins' offseason will be defined by their quarterback decision, the wide receiver room could be in for a major shakeup as well. If Tyreek Hill is out, don’t be surprised if Deebo Samuel is the name that steps in. He may not be the same player he once was, but in Miami’s system, with the right pieces around him, he could still be a serious problem for defenses in 2026.