The Pittsburgh Steelers have been struggling at the wide receiver position for years, and the organization seems to be set on fixing the issue during its first offseason under new head coach Mike McCarthy. The Steelers are expected to address the position early on in the 2026 NFL Draft, perhaps more than once, which is something that fans want to see. General Manager Omar Khan could also bring in some talent via free agency or through a trade, which is something to keep an eye on, especially as players around the league are starting to get released. The first notable release at wide receiver came on Monday as the Miami Dolphins released Tyreek Hill.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers' new head coach, Mike McCarthy with Team Owner Art Rooney II and General Manager Omar Khan at McCarthy's introductory press conference in Pittsburgh.
McCarthy is an offensive-minded head coach, and he should want an emphasis to be placed on building up the offensive side of the football. Hill is a signing to entertain, but it is also one to be wary of. He has had plenty of off-the-field issues, and he has also been a distraction to his team on several occasions. The other thing to consider is the devastating knee injury he suffered early on in the 2025 season, and the fact that the wide receiver will be turning 32 before the 2026 season begins.
Sources: Miami’s eight-time Pro-Bowl WR Tyreek Hill is being released. Hill turns 32 on March 1, is recovering from a dislocated knee and torn ACL, and now will be an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his NFL career.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 16, 2026
His release will save the Dolphins $22.8 million… pic.twitter.com/xK1UGfsWyg
Hill not only tore his ACL in 2025, but he also dislocated his knee in what was a gruesome injury to see. It is still up in the air whether or not he will be healthy in time for training camp, or if he will even be the same type of player. He is a free agent for the first time in his career, and he should test out all of his options before making any decisions.
Jasen Vinlove / Imagn Images
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) runs with the ball during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., Sept. 30, 2024.
Hill has had an incredible NFL career, and there is a chance that he could decide to retire from the game. This is a difficult injury to bounce back from, and he probably won't be making a ton of money on a new contract. He could move on from football, which will be something to watch.
Another storyline to keep an eye on will be a potential reunion with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Some of the best years of Hill's career came when he was with the Chiefs, and the wide receiver could look to reunite with his former quarterback and head coach. He won a Super Bowl in Kansas City, and he could sign there if he believes he could win another.
Steelers Adding Tyreek Hill Would Be Risky
Bringing in a player like Hill is always going to be a risk, especially at this stage of his career and coming off of such a serious injury. However, his effectiveness on the field is undeniable. He could pair up with DK Metcalf nicely, and he fits the mold of a true route runner that the Steelers have been missing really ever since the franchise decided to trade away Diontae Johnson.
The Athletic
Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers Diontae Johnson (18) and Chase Claypool (11) celebrate at then-Heinz Field.
Assuming everything goes well with Hill's recovery and rehab, he would be an upgrade to Pittsburgh's offense. It is still unclear who might be throwing him the football, which might be a deterrent for him signing with Pittsburgh if the organization does end up showing any interest.
The Steelers were probably going to attack the wide receiver position in free agency regardless, and now the franchise has more of a reason to.
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