Why was Tyreek Hill AXED? Dolphins let The Cheetah loose after 4-year stint

The Miami Dolphins confirmed on Monday, 16 February 2026, that they have released superstar wide receiver Tyreek Hill.

Known as "the Cheetah" for his record-breaking speed, Hill’s departure marks the end of a dynamic four-year stint in Miami as the franchise pivots towards a significant rebuild under new leadership.

The decision to part ways with the eight-time Pro Bowler was largely driven by a need for salary cap flexibility, as reports the BBC.

Hill was scheduled to carry a massive $51.1 million (£40.6 million) cap hit for the 2026 season.

By releasing him now, the Dolphins will save approximately $22.8 millionin cap space, though they must absorb roughly $28 million in "dead money" for the current year.

What is this dead money? In the NFL, "dead money" refers to salary cap space that a team must still allocate to a player who is no longer on their active roster. It is essentially an accounting charge for money that has already been paid to the player but has not yet been counted against the league-mandated salary cap. 

This move is part of a broader "house cleaning" by new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley. On the same day, the team also released offensive lineman James Daniels, wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and veteran pass rusher Bradley Chubb, collectively clearing over $56 million in cap space for 2026.