As the Miami Dolphins head into what looks like a transition year, there are big questions swirling around both sides of the ball-and even bigger decisions looming in the front office. With a new head coach in Jeff Hafley and a roster that could see some significant turnover, Miami's offseason could be one of the most pivotal in recent memory.
One of the biggest names potentially on the move? Tyreek Hill.
The All-Pro wide receiver is reportedly a cut candidate as the Dolphins look to navigate a tricky cap situation-they're currently projected to be about $16.4 million over the limit. If Hill is indeed released, that leaves Jaylen Waddle as the clear-cut WR1, but behind him, the depth chart gets thin in a hurry.
That’s where Deebo Samuel enters the conversation.
Samuel, who was traded to the Washington Commanders last offseason, is set to hit free agency. And according to some league analysts, Miami might be the most logical landing spot. Not just because of need, but because of fit-both schematically and in terms of familiarity.
Enter Bobby Slowik, Miami’s newly promoted offensive coordinator. Slowik and Samuel have history, dating back to their time together in San Francisco.
In 2021, under Slowik’s guidance, Samuel turned in a breakout season that earned him All-Pro honors. That year, he posted a 90.2 PFF grade, the third-highest among all wide receivers.
It wasn’t just about the numbers-it was about the way he racked them up. Samuel’s ability to create after the catch made him a nightmare for defenses, and that hasn’t changed.
Even in a new environment in Washington, and at age 30, Samuel proved he’s still got juice. He hauled in 72 passes for 727 yards and five touchdowns in 2025-solid numbers, especially considering quarterback Jayden Daniels missed 10 games due to injury.
Samuel finished seventh among 83 qualifying receivers in yards after catch per reception (6.5), landing in the 92nd percentile in that category. That’s elite territory, and it speaks to the kind of weapon he still is when the ball is in his hands.
Now, Washington may want to keep him around. Outside of Terry McLaurin, their receiving corps is light on proven talent. But with new GM Adam Peters prioritizing a younger, faster roster, it’s entirely possible the Commanders decide to move on from the veteran wideout.
For Miami, the appeal is clear. Samuel would slide in as a high-end WR2 behind Waddle, giving the Dolphins another dynamic playmaker who thrives in space.
He’s not a long-term answer, but he doesn’t have to be. The Dolphins could use Samuel as a bridge-someone who can produce right away while they draft and develop a younger receiver to take over down the line.
Financially, Spotrac projects Samuel to command a two-year, $31.5 million deal in free agency. That’s not a small number, especially for a team already dealing with cap constraints. But if Miami structures the contract wisely-perhaps with a team option or front-loaded guarantees-they could protect themselves while still adding a proven difference-maker.
And if things don’t go as planned? There’s always the possibility of flipping Samuel at the trade deadline. His skill set and experience would make him an attractive midseason addition for a contender, and Miami could recoup draft capital in the process.
Bottom line: If the Dolphins do move on from Tyreek Hill, they’ll need a replacement who can produce right away, understands the system, and brings a veteran presence to the locker room. Deebo Samuel checks all those boxes. He’s not a long-term fix, but in a year of transition, he could be exactly what Miami needs to stay competitive while building for the future.