As the Dolphins prep for their Aug 2025 preseason, Tyreek Hill trade rumors swirl, threatening Tua Tagovailoa and the team's future after an 8-9 season.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just days before the Miami Dolphins are set to square off against the Chicago Bears in their preseason opener, the biggest story isn't about X's and O's, but about a superstar who may want out. Reports surfaced Wednesday that wide receiver Tyreek Hill is both 'passively and aggressively' seeking a trade, a bombshell that sends shockwaves through a team desperate to rebound from a disappointing 8-9 season in 2024.
'Zach is the backup quarterback, and it’s up to players to adjust that.' - Head Coach Mike McDaniel
The stability of the Dolphins' high-powered offense is officially in question. Citing Hill's involvement in a recent domestic disturbance, the front office is reportedly open to moving the perennial Pro Bowler. This isn't just a player issue; it's a potential franchise-altering move that puts the futures of GM Chris Grier and Head Coach Mike McDaniel under an even brighter microscope. Analyst Henry McKenna has already predicted a challenging season for Miami, pointing to 'internal dysfunction' as a major red flag. Losing a weapon like Hill would be a massive blow to Tua Tagovailoa and an offense built around their chemistry.
While chaos swirls around the receiver room, there's a clear hierarchy behind center. Coach McDaniel confirmed Wednesday that Zach Wilson, acquired this offseason, has locked down the QB2 spot behind Tua Tagovailoa. 'Zach is the backup quarterback, and it’s up to players to adjust that,' McDaniel stated, putting the pressure on rookie Quinn Ewers (7th round) to earn his way up. For his part, Wilson feels valued in Miami, noting, 'I felt like they really wanted me to be here.' The coaching staff hopes to work their developmental magic on Wilson, much like they did with Tua, providing a capable backup should the need arise.
The other major question mark hangs over the defense. The late June trade that sent Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick left a massive void at cornerback. GM Chris Grier has publicly challenged former first-rounder Cam Smith to seize a starting role, but it's an open competition. Rookie Jason Marshall Jr. and veterans Artie Burns and Kendall Sheffield are all vying for snaps. Don't be surprised if the Dolphins bring in a veteran free agent before Week 1, as this position battle is far from settled.
All these storylines will come to a head as the team travels to Chicago. The Dolphins will hold a crucial joint practice with the Bears on Friday before their nationally televised preseason opener on Sunday, August 10. For a team that missed the playoffs last year, this preseason is more than just a tune-up. These joint practices—with the Bears, Jaguars, and Lions—are the ultimate evaluation tool for Grier and McDaniel to see who can fill the gaps and whether this roster has what it takes to get back to postseason contention.
The immediate focus is Friday's joint practice in Chicago, which will be the first real test for the new-look cornerback group and a chance for Zach Wilson to command the second-team offense. But the larger cloud of the Tyreek Hill situation will linger until a resolution is found. The next few weeks will not only shape the Dolphins' 53-man roster but could very well define the trajectory of their entire 2025 season.
