Star wide receiver Tyreek Hill faces an uncertain future with the Miami Dolphins after suffering a season-ending leg injury earlier this season. There has been some speculation that the Dolphins could look to part ways with Hill.
If the Dolphins do move on from Hill, they could look to add another receiving threat and as a result they were recently listed as a “dream” landing spot for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk by Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report.
Recent reporting has suggested that Aiyuk and the Niners are headed for a split over the offseason, which would leave the 27-year-old pass-catcher looking for a new NFL home. That’s where the Dolphins could come in.
The Miami Dolphins could be the perfect landing spot for Aiyuk, if a couple of scenarios unfold,” Knox wrote. “… While Aiyuk doesn't have the same skill set as Hill, his ability to separate and create yards after the catch would make him a fine fit opposite Jaylen Waddle. That would be especially true if the Dolphins hang onto coach Mike McDaniel.”
Knox pointed to the previous relationship between Aiyuk and McDaniel as a main reason that the receiver landing in Miami would make sense.
“If McDaniel stays, Aiyuk and Miami could be a near-perfect pairing,” Knox wrote. “McDaniel spent two years with the receiver in San Francisco, one as the run-game coordinator and one as the offensive coordinator, before joining the Dolphins.”
Like Hill, McDaniel faces an uncertain future in Miami. There are may who think that the Dolphins should have already moved on from McDaniel, and others who assume that they will after the current campaign.
How the Dolphins finish the season could be a big factor in McDaniel’s future. They’ve won two straight games, and if they continue to stack wins, perhaps McDaniel will get to stick around. But if they collapse down the stretch, Miami’s front office could look to go in a different direction.
A lot of things need to happen for Aiyuk to wind up in Miami. First, the Niners would have to officially part ways with him, and the Dolphins would have to do the same with Hill while retaining McDaniel. So, it feels like a bit of a longshot at this point in time. But, crazier things have happened in the NFL, so it’s certainly possible.