A Miami Dolphins divorce with Tyreek Hill could be coming this offseason after the receiver quit on the team in Week 18 and told reporters that he was “opening the door” to leave Miami. But would the Dolphins really consider trading Hill to a divisional rival?
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, at least one NFL executive thinks a deal that sends Hill to the New England Patriots make sense. Via Fowler:
“The Patriots are desperate. They need a guy, that alpha that can be friendly for Drake Maye,” a veteran NFC personnel man said. “And there’s a higher chance of the draft picks [Miami would receive in a trade] being higher than with a contender.”
While intradivisional trades are often thought of as a no-no, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier hasn’t shied away from the idea. Three years ago, Miami traded wide receiver DeVante Parker to the Patriots. Two years before that, the Dolphins dealt running back Kalen Ballage to the New York Jets (although that deal fell through due to a failed physical).
The Dolphins probably don’t want to face Hill twice in a season, but ultimately, it’s the Buffalo Bills that are reigning over the AFC East. The Patriots have finished with four wins in each of the last two seasons.
Dealing Hill will leave the team with a large of dead money counting against their salary cap. But given the team’s discipline issues, a trade may make sense — even if it keeps the eight-time Pro Bowler in the AFC East.
