Dolphins' Tua: Relationship with Tyreek still 'a work in progress'

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa admitted that Tyreek Hill is still working to mend relationships with the team after the wide receiver suggested he wanted to leave the Miami Dolphins following last campaign's regular-season finale.

"When you say something like that, you don't just come back from that with, 'Hey, my bad,'" Tagovailoa said Wednesday. "You've got to work that relationship up, you've got to build everything up again. It's still a work in progress, not just for me but for everybody. But like I said, he's working on himself, he's working on the things that he says he wants to get better with and do better on, so that's the first step to me, and I commend him for doing that."

After being limited to two receptions for 20 yards, Hill frustratingly declared he was "out" following Miami's Week 18 road loss against the New York Jets. Though the eight-time Pro Bowler later recanted his comments, Tagovailoa said the initial remarks didn't sit well with teammates.

"Everybody makes mistakes. It's just, some people, they're in the spotlight, and their deals get pushed out more than some others," Tagovailoa said. You've just got to cut him some grace. That's our teammate. We love him, but as a person, I think if you get to know him, you'll love him too."

Hill's stats took a sharp decline last season after leading the league with 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023. He finished his 2024 campaign with 81 catches for six scores while averaging 56.4 receiving yards per contest.

The five-time All-Pro wideout expressed regret for his behaviour at the end of last season, acknowledging Tuesday that he needs "to be better as a leader" heading into his fourth season with the Dolphins.

Tagovailoa said Wednesday that he's noticed Hill being more vulnerable with his teammates recently, adding that he believes it's an encouraging sign in helping to build an authentic relationship and connection with his star receiver.

Head coach Mike McDaniel shared earlier this week that he's excited to see Hill get another opportunity to live up to his potential with the team. The star receiver is back to full health after undergoing wrist surgery this offseason.