While some folks like to point to the fact that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was in and out of the lineup during the 2024 regular season when explaining wide receiver Tyreek Hill’s down year with the Miami Dolphins, the truth is that even when Tagovailoa was healthy enough to lead the offense, Hill had his fair share of quiet performances.
There were three instances this season where Hill finished with under 40 receiving yards in games where Tagovailoa played from start to finish. Of course, in games where Tagovailoa wasn’t available or had to leave early, Hill also often struggled.
It’s worth noting that Hill was seemingly playing injured all season long. But with Hill’s third season in Miami in the books, former NFL quarterback Cam Newton implied that the star receiver might be frustrated in part because he didn’t get the ball as often as he would have liked to.
“I think the verdict’s out with Tua Tagovailoa and his arm strength,” Newton said. “That’s a real thing. Does he have the capacity to keep guys like Jaylen Waddle, Tyreek Hill, Jonnu Smith — bro, everybody want stars until you have to realize what comes with those stars. You know what I’m saying?”
Newton continued.
“These guys want the f—— ball,” Newton said after listing some talented NFL wide receivers, like Hill. “And it’s your job as a quarterback or the play-caller, Mike McDaniel, to get these guys the ball. So, yes, is he overreacting? Yes, but there’s still a cause for concern of how he is a part of getting him the ball.”
Some of Tagovailoa’s passing numbers in his fifth season with the Dolphins were down as he navigated a frustrating year that featured multiple injuries.
He averaged 7.2 yards gained per passing attempt after he led the NFL with 8.9 not that long ago in the 2022 campaign.
The signal-caller also averaged 260.6 passing yards per game, a mark that is his lowest since his second season in the league.
Hill’s future with the Dolphins has been a topic of discussion lately. After Miami’s loss to the New York Jets in its season finale on Jan. 5, the star receiver said that while he’s enjoyed his time with the Dolphins, he’s “too much of a competitor to be just out there.” He also made other comments that raised major questions about his desire to stay with the team.
Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley started and threw more interceptions than touchdowns against the Jets, and Hill ended his third season in Miami with a subpar showing, as evidenced by his total of 20 receiving yards. He also seemingly removed himself from the game before it was over.
Hill’s agent has since said that Hill is committed to the Dolphins but also appeared to send some mixed signals when asked if the veteran still wants to be with Miami.
Even though Hill didn’t look like himself with the Dolphins in the 2024 campaign, the team would have a huge hole in its receiver corps if his stint with Miami were to end.
