Tyreek Hill is officially a free agent, putting him in an unfamiliar position for the first time in his career.
So what’s next for the star receiver?
THE The Miami Dolphins officially released Hill on Mondayending a four-season streak in which the franchise bet big on him as a key piece to pair with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. In the end it didn’t work. The Dolphins failed to win a single playoff game during his time in South Florida, continuing a drought that dates back to the 2000 season.
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Hill also suffered a devastating knee injury early last season, including a dislocated knee. Hill’s agent said Monday that he was “progressing well” in his rehabilitation and would be ready to play at some point next season, and Hill promised to return.
But who will play for Hill next season? Yahoo Sports “Inside Coverage” Podcast discussed some possibilities on Monday.
“He still has that speed. Even if he’s 80 percent of what he was, he’ll still be one of the fastest players in the NFL,” said Ben Fawkes, senior betting analyst at Yahoo Sports. “So I think he can be a useful piece for a competitor, but the big question is also at what price.”
Kansas City Chiefs
The first landing point is obvious. The Chiefs are the easiest matchup for Hill because his career began in Kansas City and he won a Super Bowl ring there. He appeared to approve on social media of the Chiefs’ recent rehiring of Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator.
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But Hill’s usage in Kansas City may not be what he’s used to.
“Is (Hill) willing to accept a lesser role if that’s what he is right now? Let’s say the Chiefs, right? Well, is he their No. 1 (wideout)? No, it’s probably Rashee Rice, who has his own set of baggage,” Yahoo Sports NFL senior reporter Frank Schwab said. “And is he their speedman? Well, no, it’s probably Xavier Worthy. What role is he willing to accept? How much money is he willing to accept?”
There are naturally many questions that need to be answered. But Hill would be a solid weapon for the Chiefs, who narrowly missed the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade.
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo seems determined to do just about everything possible to help quarterback Josh Allen get over the playoff hump and win a Super Bowl. That included dropping a successful head coach, Sean McDermott, in favor of offensive coordinator Joe Brady earlier this offseason.
Hill could be an easy addition for a team in need of an additional option. Khalil Shakir was their leading receiver last year with just 719 receiving yards, while tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox were second and third.
“They need that veteran piece,” podcast host Andrew Siciliano said. “They need that deep threat. They need a guy who on the ground — I’m sorry, Brandin Cooks — can attack that ball or just run away from the guy closest to him. So he doesn’t need to have a contested catch there to win a playoff game in Denver.”
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Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers could be a great fit for Hill for several reasons. He would team up with Justin Herbert, who has statistically been a top-tier quarterback over his first six seasons in the league, even though the team has struggled at times. The Chargers also have a lot of money to pay Hill, as they occupy the third-largest salary cap in the league this offseason.
Oh, and Mike McDaniel is now the Chargers’ offensive coordinator after being fired by the Dolphins earlier this offseason. Reuniting with his former head coach on the other side of the country seems like it would make things even easier for Hill after his injury.
New England Patriots
Of course, the Patriots reached Super Bowl LX last season. But something was missing, and it was very evident in the final game as the Seahawks cruised to the dominant victory in the Bay Area.
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Hill could easily come into New England and help young quarterback Drake Maye as he enters his third season in the league. Pairing Hill with fellow forward Stefon Diggs, who had 1,013 receiving yards last season, and tight end Hunter Henry, might just be the boost the team needs to get over the hump.
Las Vegas Raiders
This may not be Hill’s first choice, considering the state of the Raiders in recent years. But there are many reasons why it would work.
The Raiders are once again under new management this season with Klint Kubiak as head coach. The franchise also has the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, which it will likely use on Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. Having Mendoza be a veteran like Hill early in his career, alongside young running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers, would be huge early in his career.
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Oh, and the Raiders have money to spend. It would be good for Hill too.
