FRISCO, Texas — As the Dallas Cowboys begin an offseason defined by internal evaluation and a search for explosive offensive consistency, external pressure is mounting on owner and general manager Jerry Jones to execute a franchise-altering trade. Recent league analysis has identified Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill as the primary target for a Dallas team that struggled to find a reliable secondary scoring threat throughout the 2025 campaign.
The impetus for the trade speculation stems from the contrasting trajectories of the two franchises. While the Cowboys remain in a “win-now” window despite a premature exit from the postseason, the Dolphins are reportedly weighing a significant roster overhaul following a 5–12 finish. Hill, who signed a four-year, $106 million contract extension in 2022, remains one of the most productive receivers in NFL history, but his age and substantial salary cap hit have made him a potential trade candidate for a Miami team seeking to recoup draft capital.
For Dallas, the acquisition of Hill would address a critical deficiency in an offense that became overly dependent on CeeDee Lamb. Despite Lamb’s Pro Bowl season, the Cowboys’ passing attack lacked a vertical threat capable of stretching defenses, resulting in a dip in quarterback Dak Prescott’s efficiency during the second half of the year. Hill, who recorded over 1,200 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 2025, would immediately provide the Cowboys with the “elite speed” element that head coach Mike McCarthy has prioritized in his West Coast system.
The financial logistics of a potential deal remain the primary hurdle. Hill’s contract includes a projected cap hit that would require significant maneuvering from a Cowboys front office already navigating massive extensions for Lamb and edge rusher Micah Parsons. However, league insiders suggest that the Cowboys could structure a deal involving a 2026 second-round pick and a future conditional selection, provided Miami is willing to eat a portion of Hill’s remaining signing bonus.
“If you’re Jerry Jones, you’re looking at your window and seeing it start to close,” noted one veteran NFC scout. “Adding a player of Tyreek’s caliber isn’t just about the stats; it’s about the fear he puts in defensive coordinators. That’s something the Cowboys lacked this past season.”
While the Dolphins have not officially placed Hill on the trade block, the “pressure” cited in recent reports reflects a growing sentiment that Dallas must be aggressive to keep pace with the evolving power structure of the NFC. As the new league year approaches in March, the possibility of Hill wearing a star on his helmet remains the most discussed hypothetical of the early 2026 offseason.
