Miami’s ‘Cheetah’ Era Ends as Tyreek Hill Hits Free Agency

Monday turned into a full-blown blockbuster in the NFL world. The Miami Dolphins have released superstar wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Yes, you read that right—the player who gives defensive coordinators nightmares is now officially a free agent!

The eight-time Pro Bowler suffered a dislocated knee and torn ACL in Week 4 last season, so it remains unclear when—or if—he’ll suit up next season. Financially, though, the Dolphins made a “smart” move. Hill was due to have $11 million fully guaranteed this month, and by releasing him, the team reportedly saves $22.8 million against the salary cap. Business decision? Absolutely. Emotional for fans? Also absolutely.

The team shared a farewell message on social media

Thank you for everything, @cheetah. 🐆 pic.twitter.com/XShCPaWeJr
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) February 16, 2026

Meanwhile, insider reports broke the news like this

Sources: Miami’s eight-time Pro-Bowl WR Tyreek Hill is being released. Hill turns 32 on March 1, is recovering from a dislocated knee and torn ACL, and now will be an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his NFL career.

His release will save the Dolphins $22.8 million… pic.twitter.com/xK1UGfsWyg
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 16, 2026

And that wasn’t the only shake-up. The Dolphins also released Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, James Daniels, and Bradley Chubb the same day. Clearly, the roster reset button has been pressed.

Next up? A massive decision involving quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. He was benched in Week 16 in favor of seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers, despite already having $54 million fully guaranteed for 2026. Somewhere in the front office, calculators are working overtime.

Hill arrived in Miami in 2022 via trade from the Kansas City Chiefs and quickly signed a four-year, $120 million extension. In 54 games with the Dolphins, he posted 340 receptions, 4,733 receiving yards, and 28 touchdowns, earning First-Team All-Pro honors twice. Not too shabby.

Retirement? Not on his radar. Hill plans to play in 2026. The only question now is: which jersey will the Cheetah be wearing when he does?