The Miami Dolphins are actively seeking to strengthen their roster by replacing wide receiver Tyreek Hill ahead of the 2026 NFL season. After four seasons featuring one of the league’s most dynamic receiving duos with Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Miami faces the challenge of filling Hill’s void. With Hill’s $51 million cap hit looming for 2026 and recovery underway from a dislocated knee, the Dolphins are expected to release the All-Pro receiver. The team’s passing offense faltered significantly after Hill’s injury in the 2025 season, underlining the urgency to find a suitable replacement.
Following Hill’s absence in Week 4 of the 2025 season, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa struggled without his primary target and eventually lost his starting position due to inconsistent play. Looking ahead to the next season, Miami’s pass offense will require more dependable playmakers to succeed, prompting the team to explore all options. Their roster adjustments include the recent signing of a former high draft pick wide receiver.
Terrace Marshall Jr. Joins Dolphins as Potential Receiving Solution
On February 2, the Miami Dolphins officially signed wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. Marshall, once a second-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in the 2021 NFL Draft, was once viewed as a promising talent. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein described him as
“the ingredients to become a solid starter in the league but has some questions to answer.”
Despite his potential, Marshall’s time with Carolina delivered limited production, totaling only one touchdown reception across three seasons. His career-best came in 2022, when he recorded 490 receiving yards with an impressive 17.5 yards per catch. Since then, Marshall has been part of the San Francisco 49ers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Philadelphia Eagles organizations but did not secure a spot on their main rosters, spending the 2025 season on the Eagles’ practice squad.
Marshall is not guaranteed a place on Miami’s final roster for 2026, but he addresses a current need within the Dolphins’ receiving corps. Alain Poupart of Sports Illustrated noted Marshall’s physical presence and contested catch ability, writing,
“He’s 6-2, 200 pounds, making him a big-bodied outside receiver who can win some contested catches above the rim. That’s something the Dolphins need in 2026. They have bigger receivers like Theo Wease Jr. and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, but neither of those players did enough to lock down this role.”
Dolphins’ Wider Playmaker Challenges Beyond Wide Receiver
Miami’s need for playmakers extends beyond its receiving options. With explosive talents like Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane, the team has strong stars but lacks consistent depth behind them. Wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine struggled to make a significant impact during his initial year of a two-year contract and could be considered for release given his $3.1 million cap hit and absence of guaranteed money.
The tight end position also demands attention. Greg Dulcich and Darren Waller were Miami’s main tight ends in 2025, but both are headed for free agency, with Waller contemplating retirement. To bolster this area, speculation from Bleacher Report has linked All-Pro tight end Kyle Pitts as a potential target for the Dolphins, offering the team another much-needed playmaker to enhance their offense.
Implications and Outlook for Miami’s 2026 Season
Replacing Tyreek Hill remains a critical task for the Dolphins to revive their passing game and support their quarterbacks in 2026. The addition of Terrace Marshall Jr. offers a promising, though uncertain, opportunity to reinforce the receiving group with size and contested catch ability, areas Miami struggled with in 2025. The organization’s broader search for impact players at wide receiver and tight end signals an urgent push to restore offensive balance and consistency.
How these roster moves translate on the field will heavily influence the Dolphins’ competitiveness next season. Success in securing productive playmakers like Marshall and potentially Kyle Pitts could reestablish Miami’s aerial threat and provide quarterback stability. The coming months will be crucial as the team finalizes its roster and formulates its offensive strategy to compensate for the loss of one of the NFL’s elite receivers.
Congratulations to our very own Terrace Marshall Jr. on signing a contract with the Miami #Dolphins
Good luck in South Florida, TMJ 😤 pic.twitter.com/hT4JhR6Mcm
— Elite Loyalty Sports (@eliteloyaltysp) February 4, 2026
