Tyreek Hill isn’t holding back anymore. After the Dolphins’ playoff hopes were crushed in a heartbreaking loss to the Jets, Hill made it clear he’s ready to move on. But if he follows through on his trade request, the Miami Dolphins could be staring down one of the biggest financial messes in NFL history.
Let’s break down what Hill’s trade could mean for the Dolphins’ future, their salary cap, and their roster-building plans.
Tyreek Hill Wants Out: What’s The Deal?
Hill’s frustrations boiled over after the Dolphins’ dismal season ended without a postseason berth. Speaking to the media, the 30-year-old receiver didn’t mince words: “I’m out, bro. I’ve got to do what’s best for my career.” Hill, who signed a massive $90 million contract in 2022, clearly feels his time in Miami hasn’t lived up to his competitive standards.
“I’m out bro.”
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 6, 2025
Tyreek Hill on his future with Dolphins 😳
(via @OmarKelly, @MiamiHerald) pic.twitter.com/uupakWk7Vb
Despite his undeniable on-field impact, Hill hasn’t made the playoffs since leaving the Kansas City Chiefs, where he won a Super Bowl in 2020. After back-to-back postseason misses, he’s ready to find a new home- even if it creates massive ripple effects for the Dolphins.
Hill’s $88.8 Million Dead Cap: A Financial Nightmare For Miami
Trading Tyreek Hill isn’t just a matter of finding a willing team- it’s about dealing with the colossal financial consequences. The Dolphins would face an $88.8 million dead cap hit if they trade Hill before June 1, 2024. This figure represents the remaining prorated portion of his guaranteed money and signing bonuses, all of which would accelerate Miami’s salary cap in one season.
To put it simply: Miami would save just $1.3 million ($1.2 million in base salary and $100k in workout bonuses) but would lose almost $90 million in cap space. It’s the kind of financial fallout that could cripple their ability to build a competitive roster in 2024.
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Why Tyreek Hill’s Contract Is A Problem?
Hill’s current deal is heavily front-loaded with guaranteed money, a standard practice for elite players. While that structure worked initially to help the Dolphins manage their cap, it now ties their hands if Hill leaves. His guaranteed cash includes a $7 million signing bonus and other prorated amounts spread across the life of his contract.
Trading WR Tyreek Hill
— Spotrac (@spotrac) January 6, 2025
(before March 15th)
New Team Acquires
2025: $28.65M (guaranteed)
2026: $36M (non-guaranteed)#Dolphins Dead Cap
2025: $28,297,500
Savings: $401,250
Hill has a $1M roster bonus due March 14th.
Here’s the kicker: if Miami trades Hill, all that remaining guaranteed money- spread out in manageable chunks- hits the books immediately. That’s why the $88.8 million dead cap hit is so devastating.
What Would Miami Gain From Trading Hill?
Not much. The only real financial relief Miami would get comes from Hill’s non-guaranteed salary. By trading him, they’d free up just $1.3 million, an almost laughable return given the monumental cap hit they’d absorb.
From a roster perspective, losing Hill also means parting with their best offensive weapon. In 2023, Hill was a critical piece of Miami’s offense, delivering game-changing plays week after week. Replacing that production won’t be easy, especially with a roster constrained by cap issues.
Why Tyreek Hill Wants Out?
Hill’s frustrations stem from Miami’s inability to reach the postseason during his tenure. The Dolphins traded for Hill in 2022, hoping he’d be the missing piece to their championship puzzle. Instead, they’ve struggled to even stay competitive, let alone contend.
For a player like Hill- accustomed to winning in Kansas City- missing the playoffs feels like a career step backward. “This is the first time I haven’t been in the playoffs,” Hill said after the Dolphins’ final loss. “I’ve got to do what’s best for me and my family.”
Tyreek Hill updated his social media profile pic 😳
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 6, 2025
Looks like Cheetah's time in Miami might officially be done pic.twitter.com/097nmkCE3k
Hill’s postgame comments, paired with a heartfelt message to fans on X, all but confirm his desire to leave: “Love Fin Nation, blessing y’all opened doors for the Hill family forever. Nothing but respect and love.”
What’s Next For The Dolphins?
If Hill follows through on his trade request, the Dolphins will face a brutal offseason. They’ll have to navigate an $88.8 million dead cap hit while figuring out how to replace one of the league’s top receivers.
The financial strain could also limit their ability to improve other areas of the roster, leaving Miami in a precarious position heading into 2024. And let’s not forget the emotional toll- losing Hill would be a tough pill to swallow for fans and teammates alike.
Also Read: Dolphins Tyreek Hill Just Dropped A Major Hint On Which NFL Team He’ll Be Traded
