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Hill Could Be Catalyst for Dolphins to Part Ways with Tagovailoa

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, December 21st 2025 at 11:31 GMT by Sporting News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

How Tyreek Hill Could Help the Dolphins Cut Ties With Tua Tagovailoa

In the aftermath of a dismal 2023 season that left the Miami Dolphins on a 2‑12 run, the franchise’s leadership has begun to outline a road map for a wholesale rebuild. The first, and most controversial, step on that map involves the possibility of parting ways with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Sporting News has examined how the arrival of a superstar wide‑receiver—Tyreek Hill—could be the catalyst that makes a Tua exit both feasible and attractive.

1. The Tagovailoa Dilemma

Tagovailoa, a second‑round pick in 2019, has carried the Dolphins’ offense for three seasons. Yet his output has been a mixture of flashes and frustrations. The 2023 campaign was punctuated by a foot injury that required surgery, limiting him to just 15 starts and 2,400 passing yards at a 51 % completion rate. A 6‑0 start quickly turned into a 2‑12 finish, and the team’s offensive line had a 5‑th‑ranked rush defense, exposing Tagovailoa’s vulnerability to pressure.

Tagovailoa’s contract, however, is a thorny issue. The Dolphins still owe him a sizeable cap hit: a $30 million roster bonus in 2026 and a $15 million salary for 2027 if he remains on the roster. Releasing him outright would mean a hefty financial hit, while a trade would require the return of draft capital or a player of comparable value. According to the Sporting News article, the Dolphins have been exploring both options and are keeping a close eye on the market to ensure any exit is profitable or at least neutral.

2. Enter Ty Hill: Speed, Vision, and a New Offensive Engine

Tyreek Hill, a former Chiefs wide‑receiver who has become the most elusive and explosive player in the league, is the centerpiece of the Dolphins’ “what‑if” scenarios. Hill posted 1,800 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2022, while averaging 14.6 yards per catch. His ability to create separation on deep routes is a perfect match for a new offensive scheme that could pivot from a “run‑heavy” to a “pass‑heavy” philosophy.

Sporting News points out that Hill’s contractual situation makes him a compelling option. Although Hill is under contract through 2026, his status as a free agent in 2024—if the Chiefs were to release him or if he were traded—would give the Dolphins a chance to acquire him at a discount. A trade would likely involve a first‑round pick in 2025, a second‑round pick in 2026, or a combination of future picks and a player. That is precisely the kind of compensation the Dolphins would be willing to offer if it means cutting Tua and replacing him with a fresh face at quarterback—perhaps even a veteran like Jalen Hurts or a rising talent like Jordan Love.

3. Synergy With Head Coach Mike McDaniel

McDaniel, the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator for the Chiefs from 2018 to 2022, has intimate knowledge of Hill’s skill set. Sporting News notes that McDaniel’s system relies heavily on play‑action, quick passes, and high‑velocity routes—all areas where Hill excels. In practice, McDaniel has already used Hill’s speed to stretch the field in pre‑season drills, and the coaching staff believes that adding Hill would accelerate the learning curve for any new quarterback. This chemistry is an essential factor in a trade package that would satisfy both the Chiefs and the Dolphins.

4. Rebuilding the Receiver Group

The Dolphins’ current wide‑receiver corps is a mix of veterans and unproven talent. Mike Evans, a 7‑time Pro Bowler, has struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons, and the team’s top rookie receiver—Hunter Renfrow—has yet to make a substantial impact. The Sporting News article argues that Hill’s arrival would immediately elevate the group and provide a focal point for the offense. It also opens up opportunities for younger players such as Jalen Reagor (who was traded in 2023 due to injury concerns) and rookie Tyler Lockett to step into supporting roles.

5. Potential Trade Scenarios and Market Dynamics

The article lists several possible trade structures:

The Chiefs, who are in a “win‑now” mode and need a stronger offensive line, may be willing to part with Hill if the trade includes a first‑round pick. Conversely, if the Chiefs are looking to maintain a high draft profile, they might demand a first‑and‑second‑round combo, which the Dolphins could still afford if Tua’s cap hit is removed.

The Sporting News article further highlights that the NFL’s free‑agent market is fluid. If Hill’s contract were to expire or if the Chiefs released him for any reason, the Dolphins could acquire him in a direct signing, sparing them from the complexities of a trade. However, this would leave the Chiefs with a gap in their backfield and could affect their depth chart for the remainder of the 2024 season.

6. Financial Implications

Removing Tagovailoa’s large cap hit could free up approximately $45 million of cap space for the Dolphins. That money could then be directed toward a quarterback upgrade, an offensive line upgrade, or additional draft capital. If the Dolphins acquire Hill via trade, they would still need to absorb his $20 million annual cap number, but the long‑term payoff—reinvigorating the offense and potentially making the team playoff‑contending—could outweigh the short‑term cost.

7. The Bottom Line

The Sporting News piece makes a compelling case that Tyreek Hill is the missing puzzle piece the Dolphins need to simultaneously:

1. Move on from Tua Tagovailoa by eliminating a costly contract.
2. Elevate the receiving corps to a dynamic, play‑making level.
3. Provide a built‑in chemistry with the coaching staff’s preferred offensive scheme.
4. Create financial flexibility for future roster construction.

In an NFL environment where the talent ceiling is constantly being redefined, the Dolphins’ decision to pursue Hill could signal a new era—one where speed, vision, and a strategic quarterback partnership combine to re‑establish Miami as a perennial playoff contender. The next step for the Dolphins will be to gauge Hill’s interest, negotiate a realistic trade package, and then use the freed‑up cap space to secure a quarterback that can capitalize on the explosive route‑running and pass‑action that Hill brings to the table.