Why the Chiefs Should (and Should Not) Sign Tyreek Hill

(AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)

A major storyline throughout the Chiefs offseason so far has been the looming possibility of bringing back Chiefs legend Tyreek Hill for one last run. Thoughts on this possibility seem to be all over the place within the Chiefs fandom. When they traded him back in 2022, it felt like the end of an era. It was actually the beginning of a new (and arguably better) era. But since 2023, the Chiefs have missed the explosiveness and excitement Tyreek Hill brought to the offense. Here are the reasons why the chiefs should and should not sign Tyreek Hill.

Should: Would Add Depth and Veteran Leadership to a Questionable WR Room

The Chiefs receiving core isn’t necessarily bad at the moment, but no one in their right mind is fully confident in the group going into 2026. Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy are both huge question marks for different reasons, so signing a player like Tyreek Hill would add one more possible option in case something happens. He is also an older player, meaning he understands the system and can easily find his place on the field. Though I wouldn’t classify Hill as a “leader of men”, his experience at the championship level could be useful for the younger wide receivers on the roster. Worthy in particular could benefit from learning under a receiver who he has been often compared to. Perhaps Hill could help Worthy reach his true potential. 

Shouldn’t: Off the Field Issues

This is an obvious one and may be the deciding factor on whether or not the Chiefs pull the trigger on signing Hill. Hill has had domestic abuse allegations dating back to his college days, and unfortunately has had more legal issues pile up as the years have gone by. The Chiefs already have a receiver who has been subject of legal controversy as of late, so adding another problematic receiver to that group might not be the smartest decision for the team or for Rashee Rice. If the Chiefs believe Hill’s production could outweigh the legal risks then they will likely sign him. If not, he may be looking at either another team or retirement.

Should: He Might Still Be Good

Many are accusing Tyreek Hill of being past his prime and for good reason. I am not gonna stand here and say Tyreek Hill is in early 2020s form, but to say he could offer the Chiefs nothing whatsoever is foolish. Unfortunately, Hill tore his ACL in week 4 of 2025. This injury at his age will likely limit how much he can do physically (especially when speed was his whole gimmick). However, Stefon Diggs, who is one year younger than Hill, tore his ACL in 2024 and still caught for over 1000 yards in 2025. Hill caught for 959 yards and 6 touchdowns in his last healthy year (2024). These stats are not impressive at all, but if Hill can get anywhere near 900 yards on the Chiefs in 2026 I would call that a successful signing. 

Shouldn’t: Cap Space

Although Hill might not be asking for too large of a contract considering he’s still being paid by Miami, the Chiefs aren’t necessarily swimming in dough right now. As it stands, the Chiefs only have a bit under $6 million to spend barring any restructures. As much fun as Tyreek Hill might sound, would it not be better to sign a veteran tackle to compete with Jaylon Moore? For a receiver like Hill, despite his age and injury, a 1 year $5 million contract still feels low for the current wide receiver market. However, Hill might consider Kansas City his only real chance to play in 2026. Because of this, he may accept whatever offer the team gives him for one last chance to play with his old friends. If Hill asks for more than $10 million, it is possible the Chiefs decide to just forget about it.

Should: Would Be a Great Sendoff for Travis Kelce & The Original Trio

Who doesn’t want one more season of Mahomes, Kelce, and Hill? With Kelce likely retiring, it would be nice to have one last dance with the trio that led the Chiefs’ first Super Bowl run. Would they be the same? Absolutely not. But it would certainly make the 2026 Chiefs season feel special after a disappointing 2025. It may also leave Kelce a little more room to make a difference on the field, as (ideally) Hill would be one more player the defense would need to worry about. A reunion like this sounds like so much fun, right? Right?

Shouldn’t: Dynasty & Legacy

The proposition of Tyreek Hill returning to his first team sounds like a lot of fun and maybe even a good idea, but it may also be a trap for the Chiefs. With the amount of players who have left or are soon leaving, the team desperately needs to move on to the next era of the dynasty so as to not delay the inevitable and screw themselves in the future like so many teams do when they hold on to their rosters for too long. Bringing back an old face would not line up with some of the other forward-thinking moves Veach has done this offseason. Also, Tyreek Hill left the Chiefs as a top receiver. If the Chiefs do one final year with the original trio and stink up the field like they did in 2025, that would leave a bad taste in the mouth of Chiefs fans and would be a terrible finale for a legendary trio. I’d rather remember Tyreek Hill for the legendary seasons he played than an unsatisfying return.

So, What Should They Do?

I do not believe the Chiefs need Tyreek Hill that badly. It would be fun and exciting, but would take away from so many other players who need their time to shine and prove their spots on future rosters. Like many offensive decisions, Veach will likely take Mahomes’ opinion heavily into account. But with the Chiefs’ cap restraints, I would only sign players that fill needs in cornerstone spots, such as tackle or literally any defensive position to help the young rookies develop. Wide receiver may be a question mark right now, but Hill would only add more questions and controversy to an already controversial group of receivers. Tyreek Hill will always be a legendary NFL player despite his many side quests and unfortunate life decisions, but I believe it is time to move on.

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