Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Miami Dolphins have released star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, clearing the way for a potential reunion with former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, who is now the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers. Hill’s release has also sparked interest from the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers, all of whom are in need of an explosive offensive weapon despite Hill’s recent knee injury.

Why it matters

Tyreek Hill has been one of the most productive wide receivers in the NFL over the past decade, and his release by the Dolphins creates an opportunity for several California teams to add a game-changing talent to their offenses. The Chargers, Rams, and 49ers all have the cap space and need to potentially sign Hill, setting up an intriguing offseason battle for his services.

The details

The Dolphins released Hill, 32, rather than waiting for the start of the new league year next month, making him an immediate free agent. Hill played in 54 games over four seasons in Miami, catching 340 passes for 4,733 yards and 27 touchdowns. However, he suffered a dislocated knee and torn ligaments in Week 4 of the 2025 season, and his recovery timeline will be a factor in his next contract. The Dolphins are in cost-cutting mode as they prepare to rebuild under a new coach and general manager.

Hill suffered a dislocated knee and torn ligaments in Week 4 of the 2025 season.The Dolphins released Hill on February 16, 2026, clearing the way for him to sign with a new team immediately.
The players

Tyreek Hill

A 32-year-old wide receiver who has been one of the most productive players in the NFL over the past decade, recording 819 catches for 11,363 yards and 83 touchdowns in his career.

Mike McDaniel

The new offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, who previously served as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins and worked closely with Tyreek Hill during his time in Miami.

Jeff Hafley

The new head coach of the Miami Dolphins, who is overseeing a major roster shakeup as the team prepares to rebuild.

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The new general manager of the Miami Dolphins, who is working with Hafley to reshape the Dolphins’ roster.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Chargers, Rams, and 49ers are all expected to make a push to sign Tyreek Hill, with the Chargers potentially having an advantage due to Hill’s familiarity with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s system from their time together in Miami.

The takeaway

Tyreek Hill’s release by the Dolphins has set off a bidding war among several California teams, with the Chargers, Rams, and 49ers all in need of an explosive offensive weapon. Hill’s recovery from a knee injury will be a key factor, but his proven track record of production makes him a highly coveted free agent target this offseason.