The Pittsburgh Steelers have had one of their busier offseasons in recent memory, as they had to find a new head coach, which they did in Mike McCarthy. Business seems to have picked up again on Monday for Pittsburgh, as it was announced the Miami Dolphins decided to release star wide receiver Tyreek Hill. This news comes at a pivotal time for the Steelers, as they prepare for NFL free agency to start in March, followed by the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh come late April. The Steelers will be looking to upgrade at the wide receiver position, whether it be in the draft or free agency.
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Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf making a catch in 2025 season against the Cincinnati Bengals.
On CBS Sports HQ Monday, former NFL running back Robert Turbin provided some reasons as to why Hill would be a great fit in Pittsburgh for McCarthy's inaugural season as Pittsburgh's head coach.
One name he particularly mentioned that Hill could benefit the production from should the Steelers sign him is DK Metcalf. Metcalf had a solid first year with the Steelers, however, he failed to reach 1,000 receiving yards. That is something Metcalf has accomplished three of his seven years in the NFL.
"Mike McCarthy comes into play now as head coach. Aaron Rodgers, we assume, is going to be back," Turbin said. "And if he is back at quarterback, you've got to have somebody on the other side of DK Metcalf. I think what we saw last season is that he can't be the lone weapon on the outside for this offense. What Tyreek Hill is able to give you is somebody who can take a little bit of real estate, okay, and turn it into a very large portfolio over the course of a season. I think that's the type of playmaker the Pittsburgh Steelers need."
The Steelers have recently been linked to other wide receivers, the most noteworthy being AJ Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles and DJ Moore of the Chicago Bears. Should the Steelers target one of those two names, however, they would need to do so via trade. Hill will now be a free agent when that window opens up near the middle of March across the NFL.
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Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill warming up on the field before an NFL game in 2022.
Steelers Need To Improve Wide Receiver Room To Transcend Offense
The Steelers' need at wide receiver should not be understated, as their offense has failed to keep up with the looks of a modern-style NFL offense. With the Steelers' total offense ranking 25th in the league during 2025 with 305.6 yards per game, Hill would be a big improvement to Pittsburgh's wide receiver room.
The team also sat in the middle of the pack in scoring offense at 15th in the league, with 23.4 points per game in 2025. In his 10-year NFL career, Hill has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark on the season six of those 10 years.
While Hill did have his 2025 season cut short due to a dislocated knee and torn ACL, he is highly productive when healthy and on the field. Hill is just three years removed from a season in which he collected 1,799 receiving yards with the Dolphins. Many feel that Metcalf did not live up to the hype around him for the Steelers in his first season with the organization, but it should be noted that the Steelers' wide receiver room had a down year outside of him.
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Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf walking off the field frustrated during a game at the Detroit Lions in 2025.
While the Steelers are still awaiting a decision from Aaron Rodgers, the thought of Hill and Metcalf being Rodgers' top two targets in Pittsburgh should excite Steelers fans. Hill boasts a resume with eight consecutive Pro Bowl appearances (2016-2023), five First Team All-Pro honors, and a Super Bowl win with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Hill's veteran presence and superstar potential is something to note that could really push the Steelers' production in the wide receiver room over the top in 2026 should General Omar Khan decide to sign him.
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