LAS VEGAS — The Miami Dolphins traded for Tyreek Hill so they would be here playing this week and not watching at home for the 39th straight Super Bowl.
No player has more receiving yards than Hill since the Dolphins traded for him 23 months ago.
And yet, it hasn’t translated to postseason success. Thirteen teams have won at least one playoff game since 2022. The Dolphins are one of 19 that have not.
Contract Situation for Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill
That should motivate the Dolphins’ brain trust to use the next few weeks to seriously explore whether this current core has what it takes to win it all.
And if they decide it does not, they should act accordingly — and orchestrate a smooth transition to a future that likely does not include Hill.
It’s important to stipulate that Hill isn’t just a good player but a generational one. Last week, he was a Pro Bowler for the eighth time, and he is a finalist for Offensive Player of the Year.
But he also is about to account for roughly an eighth of the team’s 2024 salary cap — an insane percentage for a non-quarterback.
The easy move would be for the Dolphins to restructure his deal to lower than number in 2024 and free up needed cap space.
But is it the right move? Doing so would block the Dolphins’ Tyreek off-ramp in 2025. As things stand now, the Dolphins could cut Hill in 12 months and free up $10 million in 2025 cap space — and twice that much if they designate him post-June 1.
Any cap charge deferred this year will be tacked onto the bill due in 2025 and perhaps 2026.
Those are just accounting tricks, however. The broader question: Is he worth some $88 million in cash over the next three seasons?
This year, he’s going to earn close to $20 million in salary and bonuses. But that jumps to $23 million in 2025 and then a whopping $45 million in 2026.
MORE: Does Hill Regret Moving On From the Chiefs?
Needless to say, Hill will never see that last year as currently written.
But, as we discuss in the latest PFN Miami Dolphins Podcast, there are compelling big-picture reasons for the Dolphins to cut the soon-to-be 30-year-old Hill before the 2025 season — particularly if the team’s Super Bowl drought reaches a full four decades.
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!