The Pittsburgh Steelers are heating things up in NFL trade rumors as they become a suitor for Miami Dolphins All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill. With Steelers wideout George Pickens embroiled in some trade speculation of his own, could a seismic shift in Pittsburgh’s receiving corps be on the horizon?

Tyreek Hill’s Uncertain Future in Miami

The future of Tyreek Hill with the Miami Dolphins has taken a dramatic turn in the wake of this season-ending loss to the New York Jets. There was little that Hill disguised afterward.

“I’m out,” Hill said, via the Miami Herald. “This is my first time not being in the playoffs, and for me, I’ve just got to do what’s best for me and my family… If that’s here, or wherever the case may be, I’m opening that door for myself.”

Hill later took to X and posted a very heartfelt goodbye to Dolphins fans, thanking “Fin Nation” for their support. His profile picture on the site now features him photoshopped into Antonio Brown’s infamous exit from MetLife Stadium, pouring fuel onto the fire of speculation.

Ezoic

With Hill signed with Miami through 2026, it would seem a trade is likely pending an onslaught of league-wide interest with several franchises positioned as strong potential suitors.

Steelers Among Frontrunners for Hill

Jan 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) on the field before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Jan 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) on the field before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

One sportsbook has the Steelers tied with the Washington Commanders for the second-best odds of landing Hill, with the Los Angeles Chargers as the current favorites. Other contenders include the Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, and Baltimore Ravens.

An acquisition of Hill would fill the most significant need for Pittsburgh’s deep threat to complement their offense. Pair him with George Pickens, and the Steelers might have one of the more dynamic receiving duos in the league, assuming Pittsburgh doesn’t trade him as rumored.

The question, though, is whether Hill will find Pittsburgh an attractive destination. Given the quarterback situation, which has been unstable, the tandem of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields hasn’t found consistency, so Hill might be wary of joining the team. The Chargers and Commanders stand a better chance with franchise quarterbacks Justin Herbert and Jayden Daniels, respectively.

The George Pickens Factor

Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) reacts after a Kansas City Chiefs penalty during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) reacts after a Kansas City Chiefs penalty during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Meanwhile, George Pickens’ future in Pittsburgh was questioned with reports of growing tension between the wide receiver and the organization. Head coach Mike Tomlin even voiced frustration over Pickens’ behavior publicly, adding to speculation that a blockbuster trade for Hill could get done.

Ezoic

NFL insider Mike Florio recently framed the situation between Pickens and the Steelers as inching toward “mutual-divorce territory.” Should the Steelers package Pickens in a deal, that scenario might get Pittsburgh what it wants: Hill’s services.

Hill’s Legacy and What He Brings to Pittsburgh

Jan 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) returns punt during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Jan 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) returns punt during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

With Tyreek Hill’s speed, he is considered one of the most electrifying players in the NFL. An eight-time Pro Bowler and a five-time All-Pro selection, the 11,000-yard career receiver with 82 touchdowns has been one of the league’s most important deep threats for quite a while.

Ezoic

Adding Hill to the Steelers would infuse new life into their offense and mark a recommitment to contending for championships. The explosiveness of Hill could create opportunities for other playmakers and raise Pittsburgh’s offensive ceiling.