Star Receivers Comments Spell Change in Miami

With a season runged in with high expectations, the 2024 Miami Dolphins concluded the year

with a dispirited 32-20 loss Sunday against the New York Jets. The loss ended a five-year

winning record streak for the franchise. Miami finished the season 8-9 and left out of the

postseason. However, it has turned out to be the least of the Dolphins’ issues.

Miami star wide receiver Tyreek Hill in the midst of Sunday's game sat on the sidelines slumped

back on the bench -- despite his team still being able to win late. When head coach Mike

McDaniel was asked on the issue, he said the wideout was “unavailable.” That could be the

case long term now. Hill, voted No.1 player in the NFL by his peers, after the game has left the

door open to leave the franchise entirely.

Hill’s Comments

Out of the cold, Hill faced the fact that he would miss the NFL Playoffs for the first time in his

career. That sole fact seemed to be a part of his reasoning for words. The former Super Bowl

champion joined the Dolphins originally to compete for another title. Now, it appears Hill will look

elsewhere.

“There’s a lot of things I need to reassess about my career,” Hill said. “I’m opening that door. I’m

out. It was great playing here, but at the end of the day I’ve got to do what’s best for my career.”

Hill originally denied the media’s request to talk originally, but was encouraged to talk, according

to the Miami Herald’s Omar Kelly. The quote came after this, and what may be one of the

receivers lowest seasons in his career. Hill finished the year with a tied career-low six receiving

touchdowns, 81 receptions and 959 receiving yards. It is only the third time since 2016 that Hill

finished a season with below 1,000 yards through the air.

McDaniel’s Reaction

McDaniel recognized his top receivers comment after the game, and said that it’s

understandable due to the emotions of missing the playoffs and after a loss to end the season.

The head coach expects for this to be discussed more into the offseason, but believes that the

team's core is strong enough to entice Hill to stay, he said.

“I think, obviously, there’s a lot of power in having a team that wants to play together and go for

a common goal. That's inherent,” McDaniel said. “I’m not going to put too much weight on

secondhand post-game disappointment statements. We’ll see how the next couple of days

progress with those conversations with him and I.”

McDaniel is 28-23 through three seasons with the Dolphins -- missing the playoffs for the first

time this year under the helm. The offensive guru will return to the organization with general

manager Chris Grier, according to a statement by owner Stephan Ross.

What to look for in Miami’s Offseason

With the season officially over for Miami, a lot of discussions will be on who will return for the

2025 season. Of course, Hill will be a huge part of that conversation, but other players such as

defensive back Jordan Poyer, cornerback Kendall Fuller and other older veterans will be in

question. The underperforming secondary itself will be under watch.

For the draft, the Dolphins now officially control the 13th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. A lot of

speculation will come toward key units such as the offensive line, and on defense. However,

with such a studded draft class at quarterback, it may be possible to see Miami pick up a young

play caller in the draft. The Dolphins’ struggled with backup quarterback issues all season when

Tua Tagovailoa was out.

Written by: Brandon Hernandez

Star Receivers Comments Spell Change in Miami