Mike Florio floats Tyreek Hill trade to Chiefs, but there's a problem
Today at 02:54 PM
With the Miami Dolphins struggling through the early part of the 2024 season, speculation is growing that the team could consider trading star receiver Tyreek Hill back to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Dolphins, who started last season 11-4 before spiraling to a 1-7 record, have seen their issues exacerbated by quarterback instability, with Tua Tagovailoa's absences playing a significant role in their struggles.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs, in need of a new No. 1 wide receiver, have been linked to a possible reunion with Hill, who has shown visible frustration on the sidelines during the Dolphins' recent performances. The speculation has intensified after Chiefs’ wide receiver Rashee Rice was suspected to have torn his ACL during their Week 4 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, leaving a significant hole in Kansas City's receiving corps. During Monday night’s 31-12 loss to the Tennessee Titans, Hill's emotional reactions were a focal point as the Dolphins’ offense sputtered once again.
Mike Florio suggests Tyreek Hill trade to Chiefs, but Dolphins face significant hurdles
NBC’s Mike Florio has suggested that a trade to send Hill back to the Chiefs could be a solution for both teams, but the logistics of such a move are complex. Head coach Mike McDaniel was asked about Hill's frustration after the loss. “I would expect him to be visibly upset at somebody,” McDaniel said. “A lot of times guys can be yelling at — he's a leader and he wanted to do everything that he could to make sure the result wasn't that. Within the locker room, there's a lot of guys challenging each other, and we get an opportunity to see what we're made of for sure.”
The Dolphins face several obstacles if they were to entertain the idea of trading Hill. Miami gave up a significant haul to acquire the wide receiver from Kansas City in 2022, including a first-round pick, a second-round pick, two fourth-round picks, and a sixth-round pick. Undoing this trade, just two seasons later, would be difficult, especially given Hill's importance to the Dolphins’ offense.
Financial complications also loom large. Trading Hill now would result in a $41.8 million cap hit for the Dolphins in 2025. Moreover, Miami paid Hill an additional $24 million in August as part of his contract, further complicating any potential deal before the NFL's trade deadline, which falls after Week 9.
Kansas faces financial challenges in potential Hill trade amid Miami’s cap issues
For Kansas City, bringing back Hill would also require significant compensation. The Chiefs originally traded Hill for a reason, primarily financial, and they would need to offer a substantial package to persuade Miami to part with one of the league's top receivers. Hill's talent is undeniable, but his hefty contract and the Dolphins’ cap situation create significant hurdles for any trade talks.
The Dolphins are already navigating the financial burden of Tagovailoa's new contract, which offers little protection in the event of future injuries or concussions. Adding the complexities of trading Hill could further strain Miami’s financial flexibility. On Kansas City's end, the Chiefs would need to carefully weigh whether Hill's return is worth the price.
While the idea of reuniting Tyreek Hill with quarterback Patrick Mahomes is intriguing for Chiefs fans, especially in the wake of Rashee Rice's potential season-ending injury, the financial and draft capital hurdles make it a complicated proposition. The Dolphins, for their part, would need to consider the long-term implications of parting with their top playmaker as they work to reverse their early-season struggles.
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