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 wide receiver?
TheMiami Dolphins officially released Hill on Monday, ending a four-season run in which the franchise bet big on him being a key piece to pair with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.Ultimately, that didn't work out. 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.
Hill went down with a devastating knee injury early this past season, too, including a dislocated knee. Hill's agent said Monday that he's "progressing well" in his rehab and will be ready to play at some point next season, and Hill vowed to return.
But who is in play for Hill next season?Yahoo Sports' "Inside Coverage" podcastdiscussed a couple of possibilities Monday.
"He still has that speed. Even if he's 80% of what he was, he's still going to be one of the faster players in the NFL," Yahoo Sports senior betting analyst Ben Fawkes said. "So I think he can be a useful piece for a contender, but also at what price is the big question too."
Kansas City Chiefs
The first landing spot is obvious. The Chiefs are the easiest match for Hill because his career began in Kansas City, and he won a Super Bowl ring there. He appeared to give a nod of approval on social media of the Chiefs' recent re-hiring of Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator.
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, that's probably Rasheed Rice, who has his own set of baggage," Yahoo Sports NFL senior reporter Frank Schwab said. "And is he their speed guy? Well, no, that's probably Xavier Worthy. What role is he willing to accept? How much money is he willing to accept?"
There are, naturally, a lot of questions to be answered there. But Hill would be a solid weapon for the Chiefs, who just missed the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade.
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo appears hellbent on doing just about anything possible to help lift quarterback Josh Allen over the postseason hump and to a Super Bowl. That included jettisoning a successful head coach in Sean McDermott in favor of offensive coordinator Joe Brady earlier this offseason.
Hill could be an easy add for a team needing an extra 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. "They need that deep threat. They need a guy who down the field — I'm sorry, Brandin Cooks — can attack that football or just run away from the guy closest to him. So he doesn't have to have a contested catch there to win a playoff game in Denver."
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers could be a great fit for Hill for multiple reasons. He'd get to pair up with Justin Herbert, who has statistically been a top tier quarterback during his first six seasons in the league even if the team has struggled at times. The Chargers have plenty of money to pay Hill, too, as they're sitting with the third-most salary cap space in the league this offseason.
Oh, and Mike McDaniel is now the Chargers' offensive coordinator after he was fired by the Dolphins earlier this offseason. Reuniting with his former head coach on the other side of the country feels like it would make things even easier for Hill coming off of his injury.
New England Patriots
Sure, the Patriots reached Super Bowl LX this past season. But something was missing, and that was very evident in the final game as the Seahawks cruised to the dominant win in the Bay Area.
Hill could easily step into New England and help young quarterback Drake Maye as he enters his third season in the league. Pairing Hill with fellow star Stefon Diggs, who racked up 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
Now this may not be Hill's first choice, considering the state of the Raiders in recent years. But there are plenty of reasons why it would work.
The Raiders are under new leadership once again this season with Klint Kubiak coming in as their head coach. The franchise has the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, too, which they will presumably use on Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. Getting Mendoza a veteran like Hill right away in his career, along with young running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers, would be huge early on in his career.
Oh, and the Raiders have money to spend. That'd be nice for Hill, too.
