The Dolphins enter tonight’s contest with a record of 0-3. Especially if Miami loses, attention will turn to the possibility of changes on the sidelines and/or in the front office. 
Head coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier are viewed as being on the hot seat, although owner Stephen Ross‘ preference is to finish out the season with the current regime remaining in place. Regardless of what happens on that front, Miami falling to 0-4 would lead to increased speculation surrounding Tyreek Hill‘s future.
The All-Pro receiver has been linked to trade talk for much of his Dolphins tenure, especially in the aftermath of his decision to pull himself from the team’s season finale in 2024. Conversations with McDaniel helped smooth things out to an extent, but it would come as little surprise if a trade were to be explored at some point by Miami. Should that take place, opinions are split with respect to the compensation in a potential deal.
Jeff Howe of The Athletic polled a number of NFL coaches and executives to gauge the market of a Hill trade (subscription required). Nearly half (six of 13) predicted the Dolphins could receive a third-round pick, which would fall in line with recent receiver deals worked out before the deadline. In 2024, both Davante Adams and Amari Cooper fetched third-round picks in their respective trades.
Cooper was on an expiring contract at the time, but Adams had term on his pact. However, the lack of future guarantees essentially made him a rental for the purposes of the trade. Hill is in a similar situation; the 31-year-old is on the books through 2026 but none of his scheduled base salary for next year ($29.9MM) is locked in.
Hill’s status as a rental (for all intents and purposes) could make him an attractive target for contending teams, especially in the case of a reunion with the Chiefs. The Steelers have also been floated as a suitor for Hill, although the most recent update on that front indicated Pittsburgh is no longer interested in a swap. Price would of course be a major factor in any trade agreement, and Howe’s poll drew responses stating a Day 3 pick is all Miami could expect for dealing away Hill.
Speculation about a trade taking place comes against the backdrop of domestic violence allegations made by Hill’s ex-wife which emerged earlier this month. Hill has denied the allegations, but in the absence of certainty regarding a criminal case being launched or an NFL investigation opening – neither of which have happened as of yet – suitors could understandably hesitate on the trade front.
Miami’s passing attacks ranks 20th entering Monday’s action. Hill topped 100 yards in Week 2 but his other games have been quiet with respect to production. The six-time 1,000-yard wideout has plenty of time to rebound in terms of his statistical impact, but it remains to be seen if that will include a full campaign with the Dolphins.
As bad as it may sound, I don’t believe that the D.V. allegations scare NFL teams as much as the suggestions of mercurial behavior in the locker room or in the offseason in regards to team activities. Teams probably wonder if Hill would be committed to them, or if he will just do his own thing. Teams can deal with off the field issues, whatever they are, with much more acceptance than they can deal with questions of workplace consistency.
Hill still can definitely play, despite his (I’d say mostly the Dolphins’) recent offensive struggles. Even if a team only gets a portion of Hill’s prior production, opposing defenses will still have to plan for him, which is valuable. If they get that, they’ll swallow the bad publicity (as rightful or wrongful as that may be); they won’t take that risk if they can’t count on the product. Regardless, I don’t think that there’s any doubt of Hill fetching real interest in a trade. The only question is, as stated, how high the compensation will be.
Have to agree. I think there’s a fatigue factor among NFL fans when it comes to off-the-field allegations that don’t have accompanying video, especially for Hill, who is no stranger to them. In other words, owners don’t have to fear fan backlash as much.
As sad as it sounds, locker room chemistry is a bigger concern than whether or not a player has engaged in DV.
I think its odd how quickly Pittsburg changed their mind.
It makes me think something changed – like Hill’s legal troubles or something.
It could also mean they don’t want a headcase like Pickens – but then why check in at all?
The probably don’t want another headcase but I would imagine they still checked in beforehand to see if they could get a bargain given the circumstances. A headcase with elite talent for, say, a 6th rounder would be worth the risk.
Obviously the Dolphins wouldn’t do that, so my guess is that the Steelers weren’t interested in paying anything resembling market value and moved on.
How many children does he have? He also seems like a me first guy. He has a good game and they lose he’s good. They win and he’s not active he pouts.
I think he’d be a hard pass
Buccaneers certainly could use him.
I don’t think we’re talking about “what will the fans think”, or “will this play with other guys in the locker room”, I think the major concern that teams have in bringing in players with active personal conduct allegations/investigations is “is this guy likely to be suspended by the League?” The risk that you’re acquiring a player in line for a potential 3+game suspension builds in a significant value discount on trade value, particularly in the case of a short term rental.
That being said, there are plenty of NFL players that have zero time for guys who have been accused of physically assaulting women. Don’t ever assume that every potential teammate is going to chalk it up to extortion attempts – everyone knows that smoke sometimes really does signal fire.
Finally, T Hill has had some well documented incidents at previous stops – it’s not like players or management haven’t heard the stories. Even if he’s guiltless (which he may very well be), the man has stories that follow him around.
Like him or not, Tyreek makes a lot of teams much better than they are currently. That provides value in itself. Franchises want to win; make the playoffs, make big money for the franchise. Win a Super Bowl, make bank for the Franchise. Tyreek is still a top ten WR in the league with blow the top off speed and YAC.
Steelers just lost Austin for a while to a shoulder injury – maybe they change their tune.
Ravens, Chiefs, Bills, Colts, Jags, Lions, Niners, Rams, Seahawks, Falcons, and even Commanders would all be naive to not at least “check in”. May as well add the Eagles to that mix as well.