ESPN-sourced information and expanded with context, financial details, and implications over the full three-year term.
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📜 The Deal in Detail
Total Value: The contract spans three years, paying $90 million in total—an average of $30 million annually.
Guaranteed Money: A significant $65 million is fully guaranteed, providing Hill with top-tier security for the duration .
Connection to Original Extension: This restructure did not extend the original four-year, $120 million extension Hill signed in 2022. Instead, it reallocated and increased guaranteed money within the existing term .
This means Hill remains under contract through the 2026 season, but with improved financial security. He’ll earn a total of $106.5 million guaranteed over the four-year term, marking the largest guaranteed total ever for a wide receiver .
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🧭 Why the Dolphins Restructured
1. Committing to Elite Receiver Talent
Hill has maintained elite production since joining Miami in 2022, leading the NFL in receiving yards (3,509 over two seasons) and ranking among the league’s most explosive playmakers . This restructure underscores the Dolphins’ commitment to entrenched offensive strength.
2. Recent Precedents Upending WR Market
Hill’s contract restructuring follows a wave of record WR deals—his teammates Tua Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle, and other top receivers have secured far-reaching, lucrative extensions. This move helped ensure Hill wasn’t financially left behind .
3. Salary Cap Flexibility for Miami
By converting salary to guarantees and spreading cap hits, Miami managed to retain cap room for other key extensions—shoring up long-term planning .
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⚙️ How the Guarantees Break Down
**$65 million guaranteed** within the new three-year deal.
In total, over $106 million is fully guaranteed across four years—making it the most guaranteed money in NFL WR history .
Details suggest the contract keeps Hill under the current four-year framework, realigning bonus structures rather than extending the term .
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🏛️ Historical and League-Wide Significance
Highest Guaranteed WR Money: Hill’s revised contract ensures $106.5 million guaranteed, setting an NFL record for receivers .
Trend Setting: With this pro forma, Jeff Waddle and Tagovailoa were already locked in; Hill solidifies the Dolphins’ most dynamic offensive core .
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🏈 Performance vs. Pay: Hill’s On-Field Value
Production Since 2022: Hill has surpassed 3,500 yards in two seasons, consistently among the league’s top pass-catchers .
2023 Dominance: He led the NFL with 1,799 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns; voted the league’s #1 player by peers .
These numbers illustrate his on-field dominance and the rationale behind the guaranteed commitment.
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🏟️ Miami’s Off-Field Stability
No Trade Request: Despite speculation, GM Chris Grier confirmed Hill never requested a trade, reinforcing the organization’s intent to keep him long-term .
Contract Pressure and Leadership: Hill understood the financial responsibility that comes with elite pay. Coach McDaniel praised his leadership as key in shaping team culture .
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🧩 Strategic Cap and Roster Context
Holistic Core Retention: Miami extended Waddle and Tagovailoa; Hill’s restructure completes a trio pivotal to the team’s identity.
Cap Flexibility: The move helps spread cap hits and creates room for depth, future extensions, or free-agent additions .
This strategy portrays a long-term vision: maintain a high-end offensive core while balancing cap considerations.
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🔮 Future Outlook
1. Guaranteed Through 2026
Hill’s deal secures him through the 2026 season, giving Miami a stable offensive centerpiece for multiple campaigns.
2. Trade & Extension Scenarios
Analysts note the inclusion of fully guaranteed MVP value gives Miami flexibility