ESPN’s Jeff Darlington believes the Miami Dolphins will give WR Tyreek Hill a new contract

While securing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s contract extension takes precedence for the Miami Dolphins, star wide receiver Tyreek Hill patiently waits for his turn at the negotiating table. The five-time first-team All-Pro has been a nightmare for opposing defenses with 3,509 receiving yards and 21 total touchdowns since joining the Dolphins.

With wide receiver Jaylen Waddle under contract through 2028, ESPN’s Jeff Darlington expects Miami to turn its attention to HIll after reaching an agreement with Tagovailoa — keeping the band in aqua and orange for the foreseeable future.

“I think [Tyreek will] get the new deal, especially as long as Mike McDaniel is there,” Darlington said on The Pat McAfee Show earlier this week. “They could’ve maybe looked at it right now and said, ‘We got to get the Tua deal done first,’ but he’s kind of done it the right way with this positive approach to it, not being sort of angry about it and being very clear that he’s going to be there to play.

“I think he’s sending some warning shots across the bow saying, ‘If you don’t pay me now, cool, but after this season it’s going to be a problem’ — and I do think they end up paying him after this season.”

Hill signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension after being traded to the Dolphins. As noted by OverTheCap, the contract’s final year can be considered a void year, boosting its annual value from $25 million to $30 million. Miami would save $45 million by moving on from Hill before the 2026 season.

“I want to stay here in Miami because obviously this is where family is now,” Hill said last week. “Everybody loves it here. Family loves it, wife loves it, kids love it. So obviously I love it. I love playing for Coach (McDaniel) and the team. My teammates are awesome so I wouldn’t want to leave.

“The fans are awesome, too. I just love how the fans hold us accountable every day on Twitter. So we’re getting better, I promise you. We’re not just sitting around drinking smoothies. We’re getting better.”