Dolphins Release Two Top Athletes
The Miami Dolphins released two of the NFL's top athletes within 24 hours, with reports sparking shockwaves about WR Tyreek Hill being among them. Hill had a legendary 2023 season with 119 receptions, 1,799 yards (7th all-time), 13 TDs, and 1st-team All-Pro honors.
- The second top athlete released was two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Bradley Chubb. The Dolphins acquired Chubb in a 2022 trade with the Denver Broncos and signed him to a five-year, $110 million extension. - These moves are part of a significant roster overhaul under new General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and Head Coach Jeff Hafley, who were hired in January 2026. The releases signal a rebuilding phase for the franchise, which has the NFL's longest playoff victory drought, dating back to 2000. - The releases were primarily driven by salary cap issues, as the Dolphins were projected to be approximately $17.4 million over the limit. Releasing Hill saves the team around $22.8 million in 2026 cap space, while Chubb's release saves between $7.3 million and $20.2 million, depending on its designation. - Both players were coming off significant injuries. Hill suffered a season-ending dislocated knee and torn ACL in Week 4 of the 2025 season. Chubb missed the entire 2024 season with a torn ACL before returning to lead the team with 8.5 sacks in 2025. - Prior to his 2025 injury, Hill's production had already seen a decline in the 2024 season, where his totals for receptions and yards were his lowest since 2019. - In addition to Hill and Chubb, the Dolphins also released guard James Daniels and wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine to create more cap space. - The combined dead money charge for releasing just Hill and Chubb will be nearly $52 million for the 2026 season. - Chubb was a team captain and led the Dolphins in sacks during his last two healthy seasons, recording 11 in 2023 and 8.5 in 2025.
