"Dolphins anticipate return of WR Tyreek Hill as improved team leader"

Tyreek Hill has directly requested to be traded, followed by an admission of fault, which has sparked speculation about whether the All-Pro wide receiver will remain with the Miami Dolphins.

Head coach Mike McDaniel has dismissed any notion of the Dolphins parting ways with Hill. Despite his strong desire to leave Miami after the team's disappointing 8-9 season in 2024, this was the first time in Hill's nine-year NFL career with the Chiefs and Dolphins that he did not play in at least one playoff game.

Hill played through a wrist injury and underwent surgery after the season. His performance in 2024 was not as impressive as his All-Pro season in 2023, where he racked up 1,799 receiving yards. In 2024, he only had 959 receiving yards.

McDaniel has stated that he would welcome Hill back to the team, even as a captain, if he can prove to his teammates that he is committed to helping the Dolphins return to their winning ways.

"I believe Tyreek is up for the challenge because he wants to set the standard for the type of competitors we have," McDaniel said.

"I would be thrilled if he was chosen as captain because I believe that Tyreek has taken responsibility for who he is as a competitor and has learned from his journey. This shows that his teammates have seen him fully embrace the process of being a human being and understanding what is right and wrong, and how we want to do things."

McDaniel also mentioned that the Dolphins are pleased that Hill has been cleared to start running again, but they will take their time easing him back into full workouts during the offseason.

"We will gradually work him back into catching the football and going through the process so that by the end of the offseason program, we should be able to make up for the work that we were unable to do this season," McDaniel said.