The Miami Dolphins released Tyreek Hill on Monday in a series of roster moves that will free up significant salary cap space.
Former Pro Bowl linebacker Bradley Chubb was also informed of his impending release on Monday, according to multiple sources, though it wasn’t revealed whether the transaction will be completed immediately or after the start of the regular season on March 11 and designated as a post-June 1 transaction.
Hill dislocated his knee and tore his ACL in Week 4 of the 2015 season and missed the remainder of the year. He will turn 32 in March and is now a free agent for the first time in his 10-year career.
In an Instagram post, Hill thanked the Dolphins, his teammates, and the fans. He also promised that his career will continue.
“The Cheetah doesn’t slow down. Ever. So, to everyone wondering what’s next… just wait. The Cheetah will be back… Born Again,” he wrote.
These moves reflect the Dolphins’ new direction under Jon-Eric Sullivan, who is in his first year as general manager, and will save the team approximately $23 million in 2026. That figure jumps to $30 million if Chubb’s release is immediate.
Miami traded a first-round pick, a second-round pick, two fourth-round picks, and a sixth-round pick with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022 to bring Hill to South Florida, and the Dolphins signed him to a four-year, $120 million contract extension. He instantly became the NFL’s most productive receiver, recording consecutive 1,700-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023. That production dipped in 2024, when he recorded 81 receptions for 959 yards and six touchdowns.
His four seasons in Miami were also marred by off-field issues, including multiple lawsuits and an incident in 2024 when he was dragged from his vehicle by Miami-Dade police officers outside Hard Rock Stadium, just hours before the Dolphins’ regular-season opener.
Months after acquiring Hill, the Dolphins traded a first-round draft pick to the Denver Broncos for Chubb and signed him to a five-year, $110 million extension. He recorded his second career 10-plus sack season, with 11 in 2023, but suffered a major right knee injury in Week 17, including a torn ACL, meniscus, and patellar tendon.
Chubb missed the entire 2024 season but returned with a team-high 8.5 sacks in 2025, playing in all 17 games. He captained the team and won the local media’s “Good Guy” award for his consistent availability and professionalism with the press.
Although his 10.5% pressure rate in 2025 was the third-highest of his career, he was double-teamed on a career-high 23.1% of his pressures. This contributed to his career-low quarterback pressure win rate of 7.8% last season. He also represented a $31 million salary cap hit in 2026, turns 30 in June, and tore the ACL in both knees during his eight-year NFL career.
Daniels was the Dolphins’ biggest signing in the 2025 offseason, receiving a three-year, $24 million contract. However, he suffered a pectoral injury just three plays into the season opener and missed the remainder of the year.
Westbrook-Ikhine was also in his first season with Miami, signing a two-year, $5.99 million contract after scoring nine touchdowns for the Tennessee Titans in 2024. However, his production with the Dolphins was limited, as he only caught 11 passes for 89 yards.
While the Dolphins have already begun their rebuilding process, a decision has not yet been made regarding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who represents a $56 million salary cap hit in 2026 with $54 million in guaranteed salary.
The 2020 first-round draft pick was benched at the end of last season after throwing a career-high 15 interceptions in as many games. He signed a four-year, $212.1 million contract extension with Miami in 2024, the largest contract in franchise history. Sullivan has stated publicly on multiple occasions that the Dolphins will look to increase competition at quarterback but will prioritize team building before finding their next franchise quarterback.
