Miami Dolphins release $3.5 million offensive contributor as free agency begins The Miami Dolphins have moved to cut ties with Julian Hill, a reliable but unflashy tight end, as the 2026 NFL season approaches. The team opted not to tender Hill, a decision that effectively makes him an unrestricted free agent. This move allows Hill to pursue opportunities with any team, as the Dolphins will no longer have the right to match offers he receives. Hill, a 25-year-old 6-foot-4, 251-pound tight end, was entering free agency as a restricted free agent. A tender would have granted the Dolphins the ability to match any contract offer, but the team chose to forgo that option. The decision leaves Hill free to sign with another team, though his value remains evident based on his recent contributions. Despite not yet recording a touchdown reception, Hill has established himself as a dependable target for the Dolphins. In 2023, his rookie season, he played 15 games and caught six passes for 48 yards. His performance improved in 2024, with 12 catches for 100 yards in 16 games. Hill reached career highs in 2025, logging 15 receptions for 140 yards in 14 contests. His ability to block and create space for running backs has also made him a valuable asset in the Dolphins’ offense. Hill’s journey to the NFL began as an undrafted player from Campbell University. While his production has been modest compared to elite tight ends, his consistency and physical tools suggest he could still have a meaningful role in the league. With free agency underway, teams may view Hill as a cost-effective option to add depth to their receiving corps or bolster their blocking schemes. The Dolphins’ decision to non-tender Hill reflects a broader strategy to manage salary cap space and prioritize other areas of the roster.#nfl_free_agency #miami_dolphins #julian_hill #campbell_university #tight_end
Miami Dolphins decline to tender restricted free agent Julian Hill ahead of free agency window The Miami Dolphins have chosen not to offer a restricted free agent tender to tight end Julian Hill before the March 11 deadline, allowing him to enter the unrestricted free agency market. This decision comes after the team re-signed veteran tight end Greg Dulcich, leaving Hill as the sole restricted free agent at the position entering the new league year. Hill, 25, became a Dolphins player in 2023 after signing as an undrafted free agent. He spent the previous four years at Campbell University, where he played from 2018 to 2022. Since joining the team, Hill has appeared in 45 games, starting 26 of them, and has recorded 33 receptions for 288 yards over the past three seasons. The Dolphins’ decision not to tender Hill means he is now free to sign with any team without the Dolphins having the right to match any offer. This move leaves the team with four tight ends under contract: Dulcich, Jalin Conyers, Cole Turner, and Zack Kuntz. The departure of Hill and the unrestricted free agent status of veteran tight end Darren Waller leaves Miami’s tight end room in a state of transition. With both Hill and Waller now available to other teams, the Dolphins will need to evaluate their options for bolstering the position. The team’s focus will likely shift toward addressing other areas of need as they prepare for the 2026 season.#miami_dolphins #julian_hill #greg_dulcich #campbell_university #miami_tight_ends
