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The salary cap ramifications of a Tyreek Hill release have been revealed
Entering the 2025 season, the Miami Dolphins had a big question mark surrounding the future of superstar wide receiver Tyreek Hill. In the regular season finale of the 2024 season, Hill quit on the team as he took himself out of the game in the second half and indicated to the media following the game, that he wanted out of Miami. Hill would later retract that statement and try to mend fences with his teammates.
The Dolphins and Hill’s relationship seemingly improved as they opted not to trade him in the 2025 offseason. However, with Hill having a $51 million cap hit for the 2026 season, the Dolphins and Hill would have to agree to a contract restructure in order for Hill to stay in Miami. Unfortunately, the decision on Hill was likely made as the receiver dislocated his knee in Week 4 on Monday Night Football. It was a shame for both sides, as Hill was on pace for his second 100-yard game of the season.
NFL Announces Salary Cap Ramifications for Miami Dolphins
Despite Hill reportedly being on track to return for Week 1 of the 2026 season, he will likely do so for another team. Hill’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, indicated that Hill planned to speak to the Dolphins after the season, but no news on a contract restructure has surfaced. The reporting around the situation has been that the new Dolphins management will likely release Tyreek Hill in a move to free up cap space.
NFL Network insider Tom Peliserro reported that “The NFL informed clubs today it is projecting a 2026 salary cap in the range of $301.2 million to $305.7 million per club, per source. That would represent another significant jump from this year’s $279.2 million cap number, and nearly $100 million more than the $208.2 million cap in 2022.” Miami Herald writer Barry Jackson detailed the ramifications it would have for the Dolphins after the expected release of Tyreek Hill. Jackson said, “A cap at $305 million would leave the Dolphins about $25 million over. Releasing Tyreek Hill before March 11 would leave Miami less than $2 million above the cap.”
The Dolphins will need all the cap space they can get, as they’re projected to have the fourth-least cap space in the NFL. They will also have to deal with the contract of Tua Tagovailoa, who is set to carry a $56 million cap hit in 2026.
Possible Uses of Cap Space
Despite new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan preferring a draft-and-develop method, the Dolphins will likely have to re-sign some players this offseason. Both their All-Pro selections will enter the final year of their contracts, and will likely seek an extension. Additionally, Pro Bowl running back De’Von Achane is now eligible for an extension.
In free agency, the Dolphins will likely not make a big splash as their salary cap situation and general manager’s philosophy go against that. However, going after free agent quarterback Malik Willis seems like a possible option the Dolphins might explore. They currently only have three quarterbacks on their roster, and one of them is Tagovailoa, who is not expected to remain with the team in 2026.
Jose Esquer Jose Esquer is a Mexican-American sportswriter and communications student based in San Diego, CA. His work spans football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. He has written for platforms like RotoWire and DolphinsTalk. You can find him on Twitter/X @JEsquer8, usually talking Dolphins, world football, or both. More about Jose Esquer
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