Tyreek Hill’s Strong Message for Dolphins Front Office After Mike McDaniel Benched Cheetah

Week 18 proved to be a heartbreak for the Dolphins. Beating from a team like the Jets is hard to swallow. The 20-32 loss in the regular season finale has irked Tyreek Hill. And he is one of those who doesn’t do subtle.

After the Dolphins’ disappointing end to the season, Hill unleashed a fiery take that shook Miami’s fanbase. His frustration? Being benched in a game Miami was already losing… and missing the playoffs for the first time in his career. Hill seemed visibly disturbed speaking to reporters after the game. “I just gotta do what’s best for me and my family,” he said. “Whether that’s here or wherever the case may be. I’m finna open that door for myself… I’m out, bro.” The comments left little to the imagination, signaling potential friction with Miami’s management and possible departure. But what led to such frustration?

“Coach kinda pulled me out,” Hill said when asked about him missing the all-important game. Hill’s benching during the loss to the Jets raised eyebrows. Coach Mike McDaniel claimed it was due to a lingering wrist issue, but Hill’s explanation hinted otherwise.

“When you look up at the scoreboard and see the Chiefs are down… It’s like okay,” Hill said, referencing his former team’s abysmal performance that led to Miami and Cincinnati’s ouster from the playoff race. This wasn’t just about the wrist; it felt personal. On the other hand, the Cheetah’s stats this season were far from his usual dominance.

He managed only 939 yards and six touchdowns. This proved to be his worst performance since his rookie year. And missing the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in five years only added to his frustration. “At the end of the day, there’s a lot of things I need to reassess for my career,” Hill admitted, hinting at his possible departure. But what led to his benching?

McDaniel’s decision adds fuel to speculation

The decision to bench Tyreek Hill in the season finale baffled many. McDaniel defended his choice, suggesting that Hill refused to play. “I was informed he was unavailable right before a drive,” McDaniel said post-game. “I was not informed that it was a new injury. Focus was on players on the field.” But not everyone’s buying it. The optics of benching your star player while missing the playoffs seemed off.

Hill’s social media post after the game only added to the drama. “Love fin nation blessing yall opened doors for the Hill family forever nothing, but respect and love,” he wrote on X. To many, it felt like a farewell message to the Dolphins fandom. Leaving fans wondering if Hill’s tenure in Miami had run its course.

Financially, a trade might make sense for the Dolphins. Hill is set to hit the cap for $27.7 million in 2025 and a staggering $51.9 million in 2026. Offloading that contract could free Miami to rebuild with younger talent. For Hill, the allure of rejoining a playoff contender is undeniable.

Watching the Chiefs dominate (barring the SNF Denver game, of course) from far away perhaps magnifies his competitive nature. And his departure would mark a massive shift for the Dolphins, forcing them to rethink their roster strategy.

As offseason discussions heat up, Tyreek Hill isn’t staying silent. Moreover, he has probably given enough hints through his statement: “I gotta do what’s best for my career. I’m too much of a competitor to be just out there.” His next move? Likely as fast and impactful as his sprints down the field.