The Chiefs have been mentioned as a potential destination for OBJ by John Breech of CBS Sports, a possibility that wouldn’t be far-fetched considering that Kansas City could benefit from a veteran addition to its WR room.

That’s one of the reasons Hill has been linked with a return to the Chiefs, where he shined from 2016 to 2021 before leaving for the Miami Dolphins — a trade that made noise at first but eventually aged poorly for both Cheetah and the Fins.

Tyreek Hill’s availability leads to Chiefs speculation

Hill, 32, remains a free agent after being released by the Dolphins in February, a move that allowed Miami to free up nearly $23 million in cap space as the wideout carried a $51.1 million cap hit in 2026.

His track record of success with Patrick Mahomes back in the day makes his free agent status an intriguing opportunity for Reid and the Chiefs, who enjoyed productive All-Pro and Pro Bowl seasons from the wide receiver during his time in Kansas City, highlighted by a Super Bowl LIV win.

That said, Hill’s health might be a serious concern as he underwent major surgery in 2025 for a dislocated left knee and multiple torn ligaments, including his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

That injury, in addition to his declining production with the Dolphins over the last few years, could make Reid and the Chiefs hesitate about bringing Hill back.

“The team could look to reunite with Tyreek Hill, but if Reid doesn’t want to go that route, then the Chiefs should definitely look at Beckham,” wrote Breech.

Chiefs could use a veteran like Hill or OBJ despite decline

Beckham Jr. might create similar concerns though, as he didn’t even play in 2025. OBJ’s career hasn’t been the same after the torn ACL sustained during Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams, with lackluster stops in Baltimore and Miami after his time in LA.

Set to turn 34 in November, Beckham Jr. may no longer provide the spark he once did in the NFL. But for a team like the Giants or Chiefs, his experience could still be useful in a WR room that lacks a true veteran. Reid recently lost one in Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, who joined the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency.

With this in mind, Hill and Beckham Jr. could be names to watch if the Chiefs feel like adding experience to the WR depth chart.

Thankfully for Hill, the agent Drew Rosenhaus, said to Stephen A. Smith, “It was a multiple ligament injury, and he absolutely is on track for the start of the regular season. In talking to Tyreek, our focus is on him getting back to 100%. I spoke to his doctors recently. He’s on point to be ready for the season.”

The Chiefs have been somewhat interested in their former weapon, but are weary due to his health status. Now, they have some updates on Hill, and it’s a good one. However, this report might also put other teams on watch.

Does Hill still have something in the tank?

Arguably an all-time great wideout, Tyreek Hill is 32 years old and recovering from one of the worst knee injuries in recent memory. Hence, it’s fair to ask the question and see if Hill is still the magnificent receiver he once was.

The fact is that, prior to the injury, Hill was already declining a bit. After being a Pro Bowler in 2023, he failed to get 1,000 yards in 2024 for the first time since 2019 (where he only played 12 games and still had 860 yards). The 2023 season also saw an average of 56.4 yards per game, the worst since his rookie season.

Could Hill still be useful on the Chiefs?

While the Chiefs still need a WR1, the fact is Hill could still provide some upside. Rashee Rice could be the volume wideout, the one with more targets, Hill could provide the deep threat, and Xavier Worthy could be the gadget/slot receiver. Not to mention, tight end Travis Kelce is back for one more year.

Per Farzin Vousoughian via Nate Taylor of ESPN, the Chiefs are looking closely on Tyreek Hill. “While it’s uncertain if Hill will be available for the season opener, the Chiefs are expected to monitor the progress of his recovery and training, according to league sources.”

Not only do Hill and Mahomes know each other very well, but Mahomes is in desperate need of a top-tier weapon. While Hill is recovering from a dislocated knee and a torn ACL, there’s no doubt that when healthy, he’s been one of the best wideouts in the NFL.

There are other doubts regarding Hill

Hill’s talent is unquestioned, but the injury he suffered is quite serious. Also, he is 32 years old as well, and given that the speed is Hill’s best attribute, questions can rise on the wide receiver’s value for the next season.

Still, it’s hard not to reminisce and go down the memory lane of what Hill and Mahomes looked like. Hill might be one of the best receivers in franchise history and he’s worked to wonders with both Reid and Bieniemy in the past. Also, Hill’s had a fare share of trouble outside the football field.

Who are the Chiefs’ WRs?

The Chiefs didn’t have anyone even close to 1,000 yards receiving this past season. The best was tight end Travis Kelce with 851 yards. As for actual wide receivers, Marquise Brown had 587, Rashee Rice had 571, and Xavier Worthy accumulated 532. After them, Tyquan Thornton (438) and JuJu Smith-Schuster (345) didn’t even crack 500 yards.

Brown, Smith-Schuster, and Thornton will all become unrestricted free agents in March. Worthy and Rice are still in their rookie deals, though Rice is entering the final year of his rookie contract.

Per Sam Dowell of the Kansas City Star, Andy Reid spoke on Hill. “I don’t know if Tyreek is healthy right now to do anything. I’m sure he’s working hard on that part of it to get that straightened out.” About the rumors of the Chiefs talking to Hill, Reid said, “There’s nothing happening there.“

As for now, the Chiefs look uninterested in bringing Tyreek Hill back. Hill is a five-time All Pro wideout, and three of them came in his first rodeo with the Chiefs. However, after a gruesome knee injury and at 32 years old, it seems like Kansas City has no interest as of now to bring back Hill.

Hill was a complete menace in the Chiefs

Tyreek Hill played his first six seasons with the Chiefs and earned six Pro Bowl selections too. During the six years he spent, he had 6,630 yards, 56 touchdowns, and 479 receptions. He was an incredible weapon and he became an even more dangerous player once Mahomes got under center.

The Chiefs were unstoppable given the fact that Hill was the deep, speedy threat, Travis Kelce served as the volume receiver at tight end, and Mahomes could do it all at quarterback. Now, Hill is injured and ageing, Kelce is flirting with retirement for the second year now, and Mahomes is recovering from an ACL. Hence, if the three reunited, there’s no guarantee it would work the same.

Having said so, Chiefs could still need a guy like Hill

Even if the Chiefs don’t seem too interested in bringing him back, they might be able to use him effectively. After all, it’s Andy Reid calling plays, and Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator. Hill wouldn’t need to be what he was back then, but still be a very prolific deep threat if his speed is still there.

Volume could now be divided between Kelce and Rashee Rice, and the gadget player would be the also very speedy Xavier Worthy. Hence, using Hill as the vertical threat of the team could still provide a new gear for the team.

Among the most watched names are Tyreek Hill, Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel, dynamic talents whose potential availability would ripple far beyond their current rosters. Few positions alter an offense’s identity faster than a true difference-maker on the perimeter.

As front offices weigh cap space, timing and ambition, the wide receiver market begins to feel like the quiet center of the league’s next turning point. What unfolds in 2026 may not just shift depth charts, but subtly redirect the balance of power across Sundays.

NFL wide receivers with free agency in 2026

Each offseason in the NFL brings quiet shifts that later redefine entire offenses, and the 2026 free-agent cycle appears especially significant for wide receivers. Contract timing, salary-cap strategy and evolving passing trends are aligning to make this position one of the league’s most closely watched storylines.

A single high-profile deal can raise expectations for comparable players, influence negotiations league-wide and push teams to reconsider how much of their payroll should be devoted to perimeter playmakers versus other offensive priorities.

For franchises searching for balance, the receiver market offers both opportunity and risk. Adding an established target can accelerate a quarterback’s development or elevate a contender’s ceiling, yet long-term guarantees carry financial consequences that shape roster depth for years.

The Dolphins have made several major moves this offseason. On Monday, the organization parted ways with top players such as Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb, signaling a potential reset as the team looks toward the future.

With Hill’s departure, a major question quickly surfaced: what happens to Jaylen Waddle? After being involved in trade rumors last season, speculation resurfaced that he could also be on his way out. However, Waddle has firmly shut down those suggestions.

Jaylen Waddle rejects trade rumors

Hill’s release sent shockwaves through Miami. By default, Jaylen Waddle now becomes the Dolphins’ top wide receiver, but rumors began circulating that he had requested a trade this offseason.

On X (formerly Twitter), Waddle responded to a post from an account named Adam Ferrell claiming he had asked for a trade. Waddle replied with a cap emoji, signaling that the report was false.

A closer look at the Adam Ferrell account shows that it identifies itself as a parody of an NFL insider. Still, Waddle made it clear that there is no truth to the trade speculation.

Jaylen Waddle was nearly traded in 2025

During the 2025 NFL season, the Dolphins reportedly explored trade options involving Waddle. The Denver Broncos were said to have strong interest in acquiring the wide receiver, but Miami’s asking price ultimately prevented a deal from happening.

Now, with Tyreek Hill gone, the Dolphins are expected to keep Waddle as the focal point of their offense. However, uncertainty remains at the quarterback position, as Tua Tagovailoa’s future in Miami is far from secure.

From the moment the news broke, a wave of rumors began swirling about what the next destination will be for Hill, one of the most impactful wide receivers the league has seen in recent years.

Among them, some are eagerly pushing to bring Hill back to Chiefs Kingdom. Through his X account, Chris Jones delivered a strong two-word message regarding the situation: “It’s time,” along with a clock emoji.

It’s worth noting that during his time with the Chiefs, Cheetah was one of the primary weapons in Patrick Mahomes’ offensive arsenal, slicing through virtually any defense that stood in their way. Could this be the moment for him to reunite with Andy Reid and make his return?

Golden era in Chiefs Kingdom

During his tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs, Hill established himself as the NFL’s premier deep threat. As Mahomes‘ primary weapon, Hill’s unparalleled speed and ability to stretch the field transformed the Chiefs’ offense into a relentless scoring machine. His impact was undeniable, earning him eight Pro Bowl selections and playing a pivotal role in securing the Super Bowl LIV title.

Whether he was turning a short slant into a 70-yard touchdown or hauling in deep bombs, Cheetah defined an era of explosive football in Kansas City that remains legendary.

Coming off a gruesome knee injury, much speculation surrounds the Cheetah’s future. Many wonder if he will ever be able to return to his best form. Considering Hill will be 32 next season and his game is mainly based on supersonic speed, it is not out of pocket to question that.

After the Dolphins released Tyreek Hill, leaving an updated depth chart and salary cap space, many wonder what’s next in store for the veteran speedster. As it stands, almost every option is on the table, but Hill took it upon himself to confirm fans haven’t seen the last of him in the NFL.

“The Cheetah will be back,” Tyreek Hill wrote on an Instagram post bidding farewell to the Dolphins after his four-year stay in Miami Gardens. “Miami you have become my home. But the journey doesn’t end here.”

Where to next?

There is a plethora of options available to Hill. It’s too early to tell, but several possible teams have emerged for Hill in 2026. Obviously, as soon as news broke of Miami’s decision, the Kansas City Chiefs surfaced as a potential landing spot for Hill.

As much interest as both sides may have in a reunion, the rest of the NFL might be in on Hill, too, which would only complicate things for the organization in the City of Fountains.

Regardless, the dust hasn’t settled yet on Hill’s exit. Thus, it might take a while before ‘The Cheetah’ officially announces where he will take his talent—and everything that comes with it—next.

End of an era

Speed, touchdowns, viral statements, crazy celebrations, and lots of drama. Hill’s tenure in South Florida truly had it all. As it comes to an end, we take a look at his numbers with the Dolphins.

Hill appeared in 54 games for the Dolphins, recording 340 receptions for 4,733 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns. Moreover, ‘The Cheetah’ rushed for 100 yards and a lone TD.

Tyreek was named to the NFL Pro Bowl during his first two years in the ‘305’ and was an All-Pro in both seasons, too. After an incredible 2023 season—in which Hill put up 119 catches for 1,799 yards (career best) and 13 TDs—he was voted the best player in the league in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2024.

Hill’s best 5 games in Miami

• Week 2, 2022: at BAL — 11 REC, 190 YDS, 2 TD
• Week 8, 2022: at DET — 12 REC, 188 YDS
• Week 1, 2023: at LAC — 11 REC, 215 YDS, 2 TD
• Week 3, 2023: vs DEN — 9 REC, 157 YDS, 1 TD
• Week 13, 2023: at WAS — 5 REC, 157 YDS, 2 TD

The four-word text was accompanied by a graphic showing Hill’s accomplishments while part of the organization. During his four seasons, Hill made his mark on the team’s history books with All Pro and Pro Bowl selections, as well as achieving franchise records on both receptions and receiving yards.

Hill arrived in 2022 and immediately inserted himself as the best wideout on the Dolphins. During his four seasons in Miami, Hill had 340 catches for 4,733 yards, 27 touchdowns and averaged 87.6 yards per game.

Hill is one of the most underrated WRs in modern NFL history

When talks about the best wide receivers in NFL history take place, Tyreek Hill’s name is not usually on the shortlist. However, he might have an argument to be a top 10 WR ever. While names like Jerry Rice are untouchable, others are not as farfetched for Hill to join. For instance, he has three first-team All Pros in his career. Randy Moss has four, and he was other-worldly.

Calvin Johnson was seen as one of the most unstoppable wideouts of all time, he has the same three All Pros Hill has as well as both being six-time Pro Bowlers. Hill has more first-team All Pros than Julio Jones. He has the same career touchdowns of Antonio Brown, but he is still active. Not to mention, Hill has a Super Bowl ring, something that Moss, Johnson, and Jones can’t say. Maybe “Cheetah” needs more respect on his name than people realize.

The Dolphins released Hill because of their trust on another WR

The Dolphins releasing Hill messed up the team’s WR depth chart. However this just speaks volumes as to how much they trust Jaylen Waddle. Waddle just completed his fifth year in the NFL.

Waddle has three 1,000-yard seasons, though he has fallen short of that mark in the last two, where he’s played pretty much all season. However, it seems like the team is not concerned with that. After all, the Dolphins signed Waddle to an extension worth $84.75 million that ties him with the team until 2027.

“Unemployed.” One word thast describes perfectly the situation the wide receiver is in now. However, there are some teams that could be eyeing an offer for Hill. Hence, that “unemployed” tag might not last for long.

Hill played only four games in 2025. He had 21 catches on 29 targets for 265 yards and only one touchdown. However, the fact is Hill has plenty of upside despite the injuries and age. The Dolphins are going for an overhaul this season and Hill wasn’t part of the team’s plans.

There’s no one like Tyreek Hill in the NFL

What makes Hill such a unique player in the NFL is not only his speed, but his versatility. For instance, Xavier Worthy is very fast, but he is not as deadly on the vertical routes as Hill is. Jameson Williams is also speedy and does present a vertical threat, but he isn’t as versatile as Hill, who can line up pretty much anywhere on the formation.

Hill also possesses very safe hands. During his eight-year career, the six-time Pro Bowler and four-time All Pro is as safe as a target can be. When quarterbacks throw Hill’s way, they have a 109.6 rating.

Hill is the one name who saved a whole WR class

Drafted in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Hill represents one of the last wideouts from the mid 2010s to still be prominent. For example, the top WRs picked in that draft were Corey Coleman (15th pick), Will Fuller (21), Josh Doctson (22), and Laquon Treadwell (23). Out of those, only Treadwell played in 2025 and he played a very minor role on the Colts.

Other prominent wideouts on that draft were Michael Thomas, who had an amazing yet very short-lived prime, and hasn’t played since 2023. You can also find Tyler Boyd, who was a reliable second-to-third option, but nothing crazy to wow at. He is a free agent and hasn’t played since 2024. The other one would be Sterling Shepard, who has been a solid option as WR2 or WR3 on different teams. Hill is the only actual standout of this draft class.

With Hill out of the picture, Jaylen Waddle is the number one target in Miami Gardens. According to ESPN, the rest of the wide receiver group includes: Malik Washington, Cedrick Wilson Jr., Dee Eskridge, Tahj Washington, Theo Wease Jr., Terrace Marshall Jr., and AJ Henning.

Only a quick look around the roster shows the Dolphins now face a depleted WR room. With Quinn Ewers set to compete for the starting job in 2026, the supporting cast around him is far from elite. Miami once boasted the best wide receiver duo in the NFL. Now, they are left staring at question marks, instead. As a result, fans and the organization can’t help but wonder when it all went wrong.

Meanwhile, after being released by the Dolphins, Hill is searching for his next destination, with possible teams for the wide receiver emerging in 2026. Whether ‘The Cheetah’ can be back healthy to play in the upcoming season or not, that’s a different question.

Cap space

“Releasing Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb, James Daniels and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine clears $66.98 million and over $56 million in 2026 cap space,” as reported by insider Tom Pellisero.

Needless to say, the rebuild is underway in Miami, with enough money to go after a franchise-changing name in free agency. Money talks, that’s a fact. Still, the Dolphins may have a tough time selling their pitch to stars on the market.

Draft picks in 2026

Moreover, the upcoming 2026 draft class could provide the organization with the next great thing in the NFL. In that regard, the Dolphins own 8 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft: 1st round selection (11th overall), 2nd round selection (43rd overall), 3rd round selection (75th overall), 3rd round selection (87th overall), 3rd round (90th overall), 4th round (111st overall), 5th round (149th overall), and 7th round (227th overall).