Upsetting News for Tyreek Hill and His Camp as Dolphins Face $28M Contract Decision After Injury

The Miami Dolphins are facing a difficult Tyreek Hill contract decision after the star wide receiver suffered a severe leg and ankle injury against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football. Hill, 30, was carted off the field in visible pain and later transported to a local hospital, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. His season is expected to end early, and the team’s front office now faces a critical financial choice.

The injury comes just months before Miami can use an opt-out clause in Hill’s contract. Spotrac reports that the Dolphins have an out in 2026, but taking it would mean absorbing a $28 million dead cap hit. The situation forces the team to evaluate whether keeping Hill under a massive salary cap figure is sustainable after such a major injury.

Key Facts About the Tyreek Hill Contract Decision

Hill’s contract was one of the richest ever signed by a wide receiver when Miami acquired him from the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022. His 2026 cap hit is projected at $51 million. According to Over The Cap, trading Hill before June 1 would save the Dolphins $36 million in cap space while leaving $15.5 million in dead money. If traded after June 1, Miami could save $39 million and absorb $12.7 million in dead cap. Cutting him after June 1 would provide the same $39 million relief.

These figures matter because Miami is already tight on cap space. The franchise built its offense around Hill’s elite speed and playmaking ability. But if his recovery is long or performance drops, the cost of keeping him could hinder future roster building.

Experts from ESPN and CBS Sports note that while releasing or trading a superstar is always painful, front offices must balance player loyalty with cap health. Miami’s decision will shape its competitive window with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and determine if the Dolphins can stay in contention for a Super Bowl push.

Wider Impact on Team, Fans, and the NFL

Losing Hill long term would change Miami’s offensive identity. His chemistry with Tagovailoa has been key to the Dolphins’ explosive passing attack. Without him, defenses could tighten coverage and limit Miami’s big-play ability.

For fans, the news is discouraging. Hill quickly became a fan favorite in South Florida, energizing the team’s playoff hopes. His potential exit or reduced role would be a major emotional and competitive blow.

League-wide, Hill’s contract status could impact how teams structure deals for speed-dependent receivers over 30. If the Dolphins move on, it could signal a more cautious approach to paying veteran wideouts with explosive play styles who may face durability concerns.

The Tyreek Hill contract decision now stands as one of Miami’s toughest calls in recent years. The outcome will shape the team’s cap flexibility, offensive future, and its chances to stay competitive in a loaded AFC.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the Tyreek Hill contract decision about?

The Dolphins must decide whether to keep Hill on his massive 2026 deal or move on to save cap space after his injury.

Q2: How much could the Dolphins save by trading Hill?

They could save $36 million before June 1 or $39 million after June 1, while absorbing $12.7–15.5 million in dead money.

Q3: What is Tyreek Hill’s 2026 cap hit?

Hill’s 2026 cap hit is projected to reach $51 million, one of the highest for an NFL wide receiver.

Q4: Does the injury affect Miami’s decision?

Yes. A severe injury could make the Dolphins rethink keeping such a large cap hit if recovery and performance are uncertain.

Q5: Could another NFL team trade for Hill?

Yes. Teams with cap room could target Hill if Miami decides to move on, though his injury may lower trade value.