Hill Quit in 2024! But Hill’s Key in 2025!

Miami Free Agency didn’t splash, but there were some nice finds

Tyreek Hill quit on the team and most fans were left with a very bitter taste in their mouth, even after his ‘apology’, and hoping the Miami Dolphins would move off him. The reality is the receiver market isn’t what it used to be, and trading Hill is too expensive for other teams and the return in compensation too small for the Dolphins to pull the trigger. So, Hill will be on the team this year and if Miami wants any hope of success, they must get better production of this season compared to the last one.

The good news is Miami did make a smart move in Free Agency to help Hill’s cause.

I’m not saying this will put the Dolphins over the top and turn the team around because we have a ton of holes in starters and depth to fill to really compete. I’m simply saying that the Phins are in position to get far more out of Hill than they did in 2024.

Hill historically is at his best in the slot

In the graphic below, you can see Hill’s slot parentage and you’ll notice it’s been in step decline.

You can bet with the best pay per head that Hill is excellent both on the boundaries and in the slot. But in the slot, Hill has a full route tree to attack the defense, and the whole field has to be careful because he can attack any area of the field with his speed. I don’t think last season being his least used in slot and least productive season since 2016 isn’t without some connection.

Getting better balance everywhere on offense is key for this offense to return to the top of the league, especially in the run game. In the passing game though, Mike McDaniel needs to find better balance with where Hill is lining up and the addition of receiver Nick Westbrook could help a ton. I get the feeling that this was what they were hoping for with OBJ last season, playing more boundary to let Hill get more slot duties.

Westbrook is big & allows flexibility on offense

Westbrook is big at 6’2” 210lbs, can run block, and played mostly boundary receiver with the Titans last year with 92 reps at slot and 373 reps in boundary. This will help the Phins run game, add much needed size, and flexibility to move Hill around as a true jack on the chessboard. Now, Westbrook could come here and crash and burn like so many FA receivers Grier has brought it, but the potential is there for him to help this offense in a couple key areas.

While the biggest need is for this offensive line to grow a ton and running the football, especially inside, maximizing Hill and improving this pass game is critical.

Maybe Westbrook does that? Maybe Grier has an A+ draft nailing down the trenches?

Sorta’ feels like I’m hoping for unicorns to grow in my back yard… I know.

It’s the offseason, so let the ‘hopium’ flow. Go Phins!!!