Tyreek Hill is nearing a return to the NFL after a gruesome knee injury. The speedster remains a free agent after the Miami Dolphins released him in March.
What happened to Tyreek Hill?
Hill sustained a dislocated left knee and tore multiple ligaments in a Week 4 game against the New York Jets last September. He underwent surgery and has been recovering since.
Why it matters for Tyreek Hill
The 2026 NFL season is approaching, and Hill's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said the procedure "went very well" and that Hill hopes to play in 2026. Hill has posted videos on Instagram showing his progress in strengthening his knee.
What comes next for Tyreek Hill?
There are still three full months to go before the NFL season gets underway, which means there's time for Hill to complete his recovery and return on a new contract in 2026. The Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons, and two other teams may be in the market to sign Hill if he's ready to go by the start of next season.
The Chiefs could commit fully to "getting the band back together" in the 2026 offseason if they wanted to. Tight end Travis Kelce is back for his 14th season in the NFL after signing another extension.
The Falcons invested in their receiving corps in the offseason by drafting Georgia's Zachariah Branch in the third round. But Atlanta is still missing quality veteran wide receivers outside of Drake London in its current offense.
Hill could follow Eric Bieniemy's lead as another former member of the Chiefs to re-join Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes, and Kelce after years away from Kansas City. The Chiefs still need wide receiver help, and Hill could raise the floor of the receiver room.
Adding Hill to head coach Kevin Stefanski's offense might be the final piece of the puzzle to set the Falcons up for more success in 2026. Atlanta's NFC South rivals all appear set for big seasons next year, and it's unclear if the Falcons can compete without a veteran wide receiver like Hill.
The NFL season gets underway in three months, and Hill's recovery is nearing its end. If he can return to his previous form, he could be a valuable addition to any team. Hill's agent has expressed optimism about his client's chances of playing in 2026, and several teams are likely to be interested in signing him.
On March 1, the Dolphins released Hill in a salary cap-related transaction. Since then, he has been a free agent, waiting for the right opportunity to return to the NFL. With his recovery nearing its end, that opportunity may come soon.
The Chiefs and Falcons are two of the teams that may be interested in signing Hill. Both teams have a need for a veteran wide receiver, and Hill could be the perfect fit. He has a history with the Chiefs, and the Falcons are looking to add depth to their receiving corps.
As the NFL season approaches, Hill's future will become clearer. Will he sign with the Chiefs, Falcons, or another team? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - Tyreek Hill is nearing a return to the NFL, and it will be exciting to see what he can do in 2026.