Tyreek Hill Vows 'The Cheetah Will Be Back' After Dolphins Release

United States - Ekhbary News Agency

Tyreek Hill Vows 'The Cheetah Will Be Back' After Dolphins Release

In a dramatic flurry of roster moves, the Miami Dolphins have parted ways with several key players, most notably superstar wide receiver Tyreek Hill, in a strategic effort to alleviate significant salary cap constraints. The team also informed former Pro Bowl linebacker Bradley Chubb of his impending release, alongside offensive lineman James Daniels and wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. These decisions signal a new era for the Dolphins under first-year general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, who is implementing a strategic realignment to optimize the team's financial flexibility and future outlook.

The release of Tyreek Hill, affectionately nicknamed 'The Cheetah' for his electrifying speed and playmaking ability, has sent ripples through the NFL community. Hill, who had expressed his contentment in Miami and considered the city his home, took to Instagram to address his departure and issue a defiant promise of return. "Miami, you have became my home. But, the journey doesn't stop here... Every chapter in life has taught me something. This one taught me leadership, resilience, and mostly gratitude. The love I have for this game is unexplainable. And right now, this off season, for the first time ever, The Cheetah is all the way turned up and locked in. Focused." He further asserted, "The Cheetah don't slow down. Ever. So to everyone wondering what's next... just wait on it. The Cheetah will be back...Born Again." This declaration underscores his unwavering determination to continue his illustrious career.

The Dolphins' decision to move on from Hill, acquired in a blockbuster trade involving multiple draft picks and subsequently signed to a substantial contract extension, reflects a shift in organizational strategy. Miami surrendered a first-round pick, a second-round pick, two fourth-round picks, and a sixth-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022 to secure Hill's services. He was later rewarded with a four-year, $120 million extension. During his tenure, Hill was exceptionally productive, achieving consecutive seasons with over 1,700 receiving yards in 2022 and 2023. However, his performance in the 2024 season saw a dip, with 81 receptions for 959 yards and six touchdowns. His time in Miami was also marked by off-field incidents, including legal entanglements and a notable encounter with law enforcement prior to a regular-season game in 2024. These moves are projected to save the Dolphins approximately $23 million in 2026, a figure that could rise to $30 million if Chubb's release is immediate.

Similarly, the departure of Bradley Chubb, a significant acquisition from the Denver Broncos for another first-round pick and a subsequent five-year, $110 million contract, highlights the team's financial recalibrations. Chubb, despite a career-high 11 sacks in 2023, suffered a severe knee injury, including a torn ACL, meniscus, and patellar tendon, which sidelined him for the entire 2024 season. He made a notable return in 2025, leading the team with 8.5 sacks and playing all 17 games, earning accolades for his professionalism. Despite his strong performance, his considerable $31 million cap hit in 2026, coupled with his age (turning 30) and a history of ACL injuries, likely influenced the decision. The team also released James Daniels, their major signing in the 2025 offseason, who suffered a season-ending pectoral injury early in his first year, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, who had limited production in his inaugural season with the team.

The Dolphins are navigating a period of significant transition. While these roster adjustments are underway, the future of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa remains a central question. Tagovailoa carries a substantial $56 million cap hit in 2026, with $54 million in guaranteed salary. His performance last season, which included a career-high 15 interceptions, led to him being benched late in the year. Despite signing a record-breaking $212.1 million extension in 2024, his position is subject to ongoing evaluation. General Manager Sullivan has repeatedly emphasized the team's intention to foster competition within the quarterback room while prioritizing overall team development over an immediate solution at the position. The current wave of releases suggests a strategic pivot, focusing on long-term financial health and a potential retooling of the roster under new leadership.

Ekhbary News Agency