Speedster Tyreek Hill hits the open market. Could the Pittsburgh Steelers' desperate need for receivers lure him, despite injury risks and off-field drama?
A high-end wide receiver is on the open market after the Miami Dolphins released Tyreek Hill.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in desperate need of receivers. So, on the surface, signing the 32-year-old Hill makes sense.
Hill would give the Steelers a second speed threat with fellow wide receiver DK Metcalf to stretch defenses. Pittsburgh also needs a receiver beyond Metcalf to provide consistent production.
In his first year with the Steelers, Metcalf had 59 receptions for 850 yards and six touchdowns in 2025 and helped Pittsburgh win its first AFC North title since 2020. However, Metcalf was also a disappointment after the Steelers acquired him from the Seattle Seahawks in an offseason trade and signed him to a five-year, $150-million contract extension.
Yet Metcalf performed well in the context of Pittsburgh’s wide receiver corps. The rest of the Steelers' receivers combined for just 77 catches, 866 yards, and seven TDs.
Hill has been selected to eight Pro Bowls and is a five-time All-Pro. The Pro Football Hall of Fame named him as part of its All-2010s Team.
However, Hill played in just four games last year before sustaining major injury damage to his left knee that included a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He finished the season with 21 receptions for 265 yards and one touchdown.
In 2023, Hill’s 1,799 receiving yards and 13 touchdown receptions topped the NFL.
Signing Hill would certainly come with risk, with his rehab from extensive surgery being only part of it. Hill had an altercation with a police officer outside Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium before the 2024 season opener. He then walked off the field during the season finale.
Hill said in the middle of last season that he might consider retiring after spending 10 seasons in the NFL.
However, Hill had clearly changed his mind on Monday when he posted on social media: “The Cheetah don’t slow down. Ever. So, to everyone wondering what’s next ... just wait on it. The Cheetah will be back ... Born Again.”
Could that rebirth occur in Pittsburgh? The Steelers certainly have the need for what Hill can do on the field, but may not have the stomach for his drama off it.
Steeler Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Steelers. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.