Dolphins Star Player Doesn’t Hold Back on Tyreek Hill After Release

The Miami Dolphins are undergoing many changes. Most recently, they parted ways with All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill. In his four years as a member of the Dolphins, Hill had the two best receiving seasons in Dolphins franchise history, helping lead the Dolphins to the postseason in back-to-back seasons. However, a dislocated knee alongside a large cap hit resulted in Miami releasing the player prior to the 2026 NFL League Year.

Although the Dolphins failed to win a playoff game, it is hard to argue against the production Hill had as a member of the team. Following the 2023 NFL season, Hill was rated as the best player in NFL Network’s yearly top-100 players list. However, there were downsides in Hill’s tenure with the Dolphins. 

For example, during the 2024 season when the Dolphins’ offense lacked the explosiveness of years past, Hill failed to reach 1,000 receiving yards and seemingly quit on the team during their last regular season game. In the locker room following the game, Hill declared, “I’m out.” He would later express regret over his comments, and said they came from frustration following the Dolphins missing the postseason. That moment led to his status as a team captain being revoked entering the 2025 season.

Now, Jaylen Waddle, who spent four seasons with Hill, shared his thoughts on Hill following the release.

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Miami Dolphins’ Jaylen Waddle Shares True Feelings on Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle went on The Set with Terron Armstead, where he spoke about Tyreek Hill following his release. Waddle said, “I can’t say enough good things about Cheetah… when [Dolphins] signed him, the atmosphere of Hard Rock Stadium, it was totally different… he really embraced that and put it on his back.”

Additionally, Waddle shared a story on Hill’s recovery and how he was already squatting two months after his dislocated knee injury. He said, “That boy different. He’s gonna come back CRAZY. You know Cheetah — he feels like people doubting him now.”

During the 2022 season, the pair of Dolphins receivers combined to have the best receiving season in Miami’s wide receiver history. Hill set the franchise record for receiving yards, and Waddle had the third-best receiving season in team history.

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Jaylen Waddle Season Outlook

Hill arrived the season after Waddle’s rookie year with the Dolphins. Waddle adjusted to a new role as the secondary option in the offense and thrived as the team’s No. 2 wide receiver. In 2025, Waddle once again became the team’s leading receiver once Hill suffered his season-ending injury.

Since Waddle was drafted by the Dolphins in the 2021, Tua Tagovailoa has been the team’s starting quarterback, but the expectation is that will now change. Waddle will likely be the team’s primary option with whatever new quarterback the team plans on adding this offseason. Who that is remains to be seen.

He was originally drafted due to his speed and route-running ability, which makes him a quarterback-friendly target. During his rookie season, he was utilized primarily as a slot receiver. New offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik has not spoken on the role Waddle will play in the 2026 season.

Jose Esquer Jose Esquer is a Mexican-American sportswriter and communications student based in San Diego, CA. His work spans football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. He has written for platforms like RotoWire and DolphinsTalk. You can find him on Twitter/X @JEsquer8, usually talking Dolphins, world football, or both. More about Jose Esquer