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Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
While many Kansas City Chiefs fans would love to see team great Tyreek Hill return this season — especially since they have a clear need at wide receiver — a prominent NFL insider revealed two key reasons why it still remains highly unlikely.
After a nightmare 6-11 finish last season, the Chiefs are back to being Super Bowl contenders in 2026. Heading into a Week 5 clash against the Los Angeles Chargers, they are one of the last undefeated teams left in the NFL after scoring a big win over a red-hot Las Vegas Raiders this past weekend.
While their defense has been rock solid and their run game, led by Kenneth Walker III, has been fantastic, they need more weapons in their passing attack. Especially after Tyquan Thornton suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 4. It is why there has been a lot of talk this week about Hill reuniting with the Chiefs.
Tyreek Hill won’t take a big pay cut in next contract
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Sep 29, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) is tended to by medical staff after injuring his leg against the New York Jets during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images
After being released by the Miami Dolphins in the offseason, the eight-time Pro Bowler has been rehabbing his surgically repaired ACL and is expected to start having serious discussions with interested teams this month. The Chiefs will probably be one of them, but a new report from Tom Pelissero makes a reunion unlikely for two major reasons.
“His agent announced Monday he’ll begin negotiating with multiple teams, suggesting he expects his client to get paid or at least have significant upside, rather than taking a minimum-type deal,” the NFL insider wrote on Thursday.
Hill and his representatives probably understand he won’t get anything close to the $30 million average he had in his last contract after a couple of down years and a torn ACL. However, he clearly isn’t interested in taking a prove-it contract to fix his reputation in a favorable environment and situation.
The Chiefs only have a few million in available cap space, which means they can’t afford the receiver.
Hill’s legal issues could make a reunion less attractive for the Kansas City Chiefs
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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) celebrates after a first down catch in the first quarter during the AFC championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. Cincinnati Bengals At Kansas City Chiefs Jan 30 Afc Championship 54 Syndication The Enquirer Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Speaking of reputation, there is another problem with a Chiefs and Hill reunion. Hill’s availability in 2026 is still unclear, and it has nothing to do with his knee rehabilitation.
“The NFL is still investigating Hill after his ex-wife said, in court documents and testimony in an ongoing divorce trial, that Hill abused her,” Pelissero noted. “It’s not a criminal case, which lowers—but doesn’t eliminate—the chances of the league putting him on the commissioner’s exempt list.
“He also could be suspended depending on when legal matters are resolved and when the NFL can get its hands on all the evidence it wants,” he added. “Would Hill get credit for time served while not on a roster? Just way too many questions to say Tyreek will walk in the door and solve the Chiefs’ problems.”
While the 4-0 Chiefs aren’t desperate to add a receiver, the question marks surrounding Hill are problematic. Making a trade for a receiver seems like far more of a sure bet in terms of availability.