THE Miami Dolphins could be headed for a contract standoff with Tyreek Hill after his trade request.
After the Dolphins officially missed the playoffs this season, Hill sounded off about getting off the team.
Hill had his first season under 1,000 receiving yards since 2019 and missed the playoffs for the first time in his career.
“At the end of the day there’s a lot of things I need to reassess for my career,” Hill said.
“Just see what I need to do to continue to do to get better as a player. So I can continue to reach that 1,000-yard mark. It is what it is.”
That was seemingly enough to push him over the edge, and he publicly indicated he wants off the Dolphins.
“This is my first time I haven’t been in the playoffs,” Hill told reporters.
“I just gotta do what’s best for me and my family. If that’s here or wherever the case may be, I’m finna open that door for myself.
“I’m opening the door. I’m out, bro.
“It was great playing here, but at the end of the day, bro, I got to do what’s best for my career.
“I’m too much of a competitor to be just out there.”
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel suggested that Hill went as far as to refuse to play in the second half of the final game of the season.
“I was informed that he was unavailable, right before a drive,” McDaniel said.
“I was not informed that it was a new injury… there was guys on the field that were competing.”
Hill refusing to play could trigger some interesting contract situations between the receiver and the Dolphins.
According to NBC’s Mike Florio, the Dolphins might be able to remove the remainder of Hill’s contract guarantees.
The Dolphins might also have the ability to pursue some repayment of the over $24 million in signing bonus and roster bonus money Hill received this season.
Hill is set to receive a massive amount of money in 2025, with over $29 million in guaranteed money allocated for him.
That money includes a $15.85 million option bonus, a $10 million salary, a $1 million roster bonus, and $1.8 million per game in roster bonuses.
Hill’s contract can be traded with or without the guarantees attached, but it could be a struggle to move him with $29 million involved.
The Dolphins sent a first-round pick to the Chiefs for Tyreek Hill, they will likely be hard-pressed to get one back.
A second-rounder or a combination of third-rounders feels most likely for the Dolphins.