The Kansas City Chiefs have proven over the years that they love to bring back former players.
Just this season alone the Chiefs have brought back running back Kareem Hunt, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and tight end Jody Fortson. Returning Hunt and Smith-Schuster has already paid big dividends, and it seems that Fortson could have an underrated role as a blocker.
Could there be another reunion between the Chiefs and a former player that would trump the others? FS1 television personality and former local Kansas City radio host Nick Wright believes that Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill will end up back with the team one day.
"Here's all I know," Wright said on his FS1 sports talk show First Things First. "One, he clearly misses home - which is Kansas City. Two, he has an incredibly tradable contract, certainly in the offseason, even right now, but I don't think it will happen right now. And three, Miami, come this offseason, could be in a bit of a crossroads, pending how bad the defense looks throughout the rest of the year, what Tua's (Tagovailoa) actual health is. You know, all of these things. They put a lot of eggs in this year and last year's basket from a salary cap perspective. So, I said it a week ago and I will say it again, I believe Tyreek Hill is going to play another football game for the Kansas City Chiefs. I still do not think it is happening this season, because I don't think Miami is going to wave the white flag prior to the trade deadline this season. But, it is definitely something. He wants to come back to Kansas City, I feel confident in that."
With Hollywood Brown and Rashee Rice out for the season, the Chiefs are certainly keeping their eyes open for a potential trade for a receiver. As far as Hill potentially being that guy, it's not out of the realm of possibilities. Like Wright said, it would have to start with the Dolphins giving up on their season and being willing to unload Hill, which garner them future draft picks.
After that, the Chiefs would have to meet Miami's asking price, which could be steep. K.C. dealt Hill to the Dolphins prior to the 2022 season for a whopping five draft picks. The cost to acquire him back won't be that high, but the Chiefs may not want to wager too much draft capital.
Salary cap wise, it would be very affordable for K.C. to bring back Hill if it were to acquire him right at the trade deadline, costing just $1.4 million. However, Miami would be on the hook for $28M in dead money in 2025, which complicates things a bit.
The bottom line is that while the scenario of the Chiefs trading for Hill this season is possible, it would be very difficult to work out. If you're wondering how all of this started, Hill posted a highlight video of his time in Kansas City on his Snapchat, fueling speculation that he would like to return. It's a very fun thing to dream about as the Chiefs chase a three-peat, but don't get your hopes too high.
