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Tyreek Hill aka the “Cheetah” has been a whirlwind of acceleration and jaw-dropping dribbling ever since he arrived in the NFL, but 2024 was not a great season for him. Although Hill turned in a good performance with 81 receptions for 959 yards and six touchdowns, for the first time since 2019, he was below the 1,000 yards mark. He’d had a similar disaster with the Miami Dolphins as well, who finished the season 9–8. With Hill’s frustration in his position being on display, rumors of him being traded started swirling and it was primed for blockbuster territory.

The rumor now has him traded to… yes, the New England PatriotsNow that they have a coach like Mike Vrabel and the Patriots are nearing their season as contenders, Hill might get them over the top. While intra-division moves were once unheard of, in the NFL’s evolving nature, team value, and trading possibilities are being carefully weighed now more than ever. As one veteran NFC personnel man said: “The Patriots are desperate. They need a guy, that alpha that can be friendly for Drake Maye,” as they put it about their quarterback candidate. The Dolphins are already in the throes of Hill’s disastrous season, and they could sell their star if the price is right.

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Tyreek Hill’s relationship with the Miami Dolphins hasn’t always been smooth sailing. While he’s consistently delivered on the field, the Dolphins’ failure to meet expectations in 2024, combined with Hill’s recent comments, has sparked a firestorm of speculation. After their Week 18 loss, Hill made remarks that seemed to hint at dissatisfaction with his role in Miami’s offense, fueling rumors that his time with the team could soon be over.“This is my first time I haven’t been in the playoffs, man. So I just got to do what’s best for me and my family. If that’s here or wherever the case may be, I’m finna open that door for myself. I’m opening the door. I’m out, bro. It was great playing here, but at the end of the day I gotta do what’s best for my career because I’m too much of a competitor to be just out there.”  Hill hinted, leaving fans to wonder whether the Dolphins would consider trading their star wide receiver.

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Hill’s comments didn’t go unnoticed by the Patriots, who have been in search of a true number-one receiver for some time. With their sights set on building a contender under Vrabel, Hill could provide the explosive playmaking ability the Patriots have sorely lacked. A trade for Hill could also signal a shift in the AFC East balance of power, as the Dolphins might be inclined to rebuild by securing draft picks and looking ahead to a more sustainable future. As one NFC executive put it, “There’s a higher chance of the draft picks Miami would receive in a trade being higher than with a contender.”And with Hill’s value dipping slightly after his 2024 performance, the Dolphins could see a trade as the best way to maximize his worth.

Hill of a billion dollars

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Tyreek Hill’s huge deal with the Miami Dolphins also contributes to his rumor mill. Hill had a 3-year, $90 million contract with the Dolphins, including a $25.25 million signing bonus and $65 million guaranteed, the agreement gave him $106.5 mill for 4 years, His pay rate is $30 million an average year, Hill’s deal is big money but it may be exactly what the Patriots need to splash and fight for a playoff spot. With New England’s pool estimated to be $7.4 billion at full value, they can afford to pay this kind of salary, especially given Hill’s ability to transform the offense.

The Dolphins may not be so keen on carrying Hill’s cap hit either if he’s disgruntled, though. His contract does have a dead cap of $88.8 million, so that could surely knick the pockets. His $30 million paycheck could be an issue if his numbers keep faltering. Miami may rather find the best trade partner that has the best return, especially given the age and sellability of their superstar. Hill’s salary isn’t simply a number: it’s one of the variables that determines just how much control he has over what happens next. The Dolphins could flip that pigskin and be ahead of the curve with draft picks and young talent to strengthen their defense if they can let that cash run out.

If #1 Tyreek Hill gets traded, the New England Patriots are the team in which he would find his forever home. Hill would be an offensive weapon a team looking to climb back to the top of the AFC needs. If the Patriots have been unable to sign elite free agents over the last few years, Hill’s addition would immediately provide the offense with some legitimacy. The Patriots’ revamped coaching staff, with Vrabel as the new HC, would be better served by a guy like Hill, whose talents are compatible with their plans for a new offensive identity.

The Patriots have had their eye on Hill as a starting back for years, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter. “Tyreek Hill is a player who can stretch the field and open things up for others,” one insider shared. “Pairing him with the right quarterback could make the Patriots an instant contender again.” Whether New England’s package is enough to lure the Dolphins is an open question, but the strategic fit is clear. For the Patriots who were 4-13 in the last season, Hill might be the game-changer they are seeking.

Tyreek Hill might or may not stay in Miami, but the NFL is swooning if he stays or goes. A New England Patriots deal is his next stop and given his price, numbers, and reputation it’s a deal that will change the AFC East tides. In the words of one NFC exec, “If the Patriots can get a guy like Hill, they’ll be a serious threat.” For the Dolphins, the only way to get back on their feet is to let the cheetah go and this could usher in a new era for both franchises.

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