The NFL rumor mill is a captivating place that excites NFL fans. The latest revolves around the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins. With his performance declining, Tyreek Hill has expressed a desire to leave the Sunshine State. So, could he make his way back to the Heartland?
To clear things up, I’m not in favor of bringing the baggage linked to Tyreek Hill back to Kansas City. Still, as a Chiefs fan, I can’t oppose it too much. After all, he’s the perfect fix for what’s wrong with the Chiefs’ offense. With injuries to Xavier Worthy, rookie Jalen Royals, and Rashee Rice’s suspension, why not take a chance on Hill?
However, despite his numerous off-the-field issues, including the latest from his wife, who is separated from him, this should cause the Chiefs to pause significantly in their desire for a reunion.
Yes, Hill could help the Chiefs win another Super Bowl, but his salary for 2025 is enormous. Currently, his base salary is $10 million, while the other $19 million of his contract is tied up in prorated money; he counts nearly $30 million against the Dolphins’ cap. These dollars are not transferable, and Miami would be responsible for a significant portion of that. I’m not sure the Chiefs want to take on the base salary.
That means in any trade, for a player who will become a free agent after this year, the Chiefs should negotiate so that the Dolphins cover a significant portion of that base salary. Hill can opt out of his deal at the end of the season, and he is expected to do so.
Brett Veach now faces the dilemma. With issues at wide receiver, running back, and defensive end, does the Chiefs’ General Manager need Hill?
As a PR move, he would be walking a tightrope because if Hill does come back to Kansas City, are they convinced he can stay out of trouble off the field? The last thing they need is to trade for a player who carries risk.
If Hill’s current off-the-field issues don’t affect his playing status in 2025, it makes it more likely that the Chiefs will explore trade talks with the Dolphins. But what’s Hill’s value three or more years after his time in Kansas City?
According to sources, the Dolphins are seeking a pair of second-day draft picks. That means they want a second and third-round pick from the Chiefs, but I doubt any team will give up those valuable picks, including Kansas City.
For a team desperate enough to make this deal, I could see the Las Vegas Raiders pulling it off. With Hill’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, he did get Davante Adams from Green Bay into a Silver and Black uniform.
The Chiefs are at a crossroads because their opponent, the Philadelphia Eagles, is overshadowing their lack of aggression in filling holes on their roster on Sunday.
They keep adding players, and the latest is Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby. He would be a perfect fit for Andy Reid’s offense. He’d immediately become a starter, and the team could end the Isiah Pacheco experiment.
However, the Chiefs have waited since they assembled their 53-man roster and are now compelled to consider trading for Hill.
Head Coach Andy Reid said Xavier Worthy is day-to-day, so he might only miss a few games. Rice won’t be back on the roster until October, so that’s a long time if Worthy is out 2-4 weeks.
So, what should the Chiefs do about Hill?
I’d probably make the trade regardless of the damage. If nothing else, it shows the NFL that Kansas City is serious about winning. A reunion with Hill, despite the cost, would also give the offense a boost.
Hill could handle the return duties and become an immediate starting wide receiver once Worthy and Rice return. Patrick Mahomes will have the top wide receiver trio in the NFL.
If the defense can fix its issues, Kansas City could regain the right mindset to avoid a slump after its embarrassing opening day loss.
So if the deal fits, I’d make the move if I were the Chiefs.
