The sun may be setting on Tyreek Hill’s time as the centerpiece of the Miami Dolphins’ offense. Back-to-back games against the Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers have revealed some chinks in the previously unassailable armor of the star wide receiver. As the Dolphins look toward the future, it might be time to consider other options to revitalize their offensive strategy.

Hill’s recent performances underline a troubling trend. In the Texans matchup, Tua Tagovailoa struggled to connect with Hill, completing a mere 28.6% of his passes when targeting him.

In stark contrast, Tagovailoa’s chemistry with the rest of Miami’s receiving corps was electric, boasting an 81.6% completion rate. Fast forward to the game against the 49ers, and Hill’s name was again linked with crucial drops at pivotal moments.

This underscores a point that fans and analysts are starting to murmur about: Hill, at the cusp of turning 31, might no longer have the blazing speed that once instilled fear across defensive backfields.

There are whispers in Miami signaling a need for change after the 2024 season, and the name Deebo Samuel is being floated as a potential heir to Hill’s role. Samuel’s relationship with his current team, the San Francisco 49ers, seems frayed, with drops, diminishing involvement, and sideline tensions suggesting that he might be open to a fresh start.

Reuniting with Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel could be the tonic both Samuel and Miami need. Their prior collaboration in San Francisco was nothing short of prolific.

Under McDaniel’s guidance as offensive coordinator, Samuel put up stellar numbers: a career-high 1,405 receiving yards coupled with six receiving touchdowns, alongside a remarkable 365 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. His versatility could inject new life into Miami’s offense.

For Miami, this kind of move represents more than just a swap of personnel; it’s about aligning talent with scheme. Samuel’s skill set dovetails with McDaniel’s playbook, potentially unlocking the full potential of Tagovailoa and proving that the offensive struggles are not a schematic issue but rather about fitting the right player into the system. Trading for Samuel would also allow the Dolphins to freshen up their approach, stepping away from relying on a veteran who’s perhaps past his prime, and instead embrace a player ready to prove he’s still one of the NFL’s top threats.

In shifting gears, the Dolphins have the chance to keep defenses on their heels, regain their offensive sparkle, and, most importantly, keep fans on the edge of their seats. The future could be bright, and Miami seems poised to make moves that ensure they continue to roll with the punches and come out swinging.