The Miami Dolphins’ offseason took an unexpected turn when star receiver Tyreek Hill omitted quarterback Tua Tagovailoa from his 2025 NFL Top 5 Quarterbacks list, sparking debates about locker room tensions and the team’s championship potential. This sudden shift from Hill’s past praise of Tagovailoa as a "generational talent" has analysts questioning whether Miami’s core partnership can withstand public friction.

From Praise to Silence: Hill’s Quarterback List Stirs Debate

During a recent podcast appearance, Hill named Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Baker Mayfield, and Joe Burrow as his elite QBs – notably excluding Tagovailoa. This contrasts sharply with his 2024 ranking where he placed the Dolphins QB second only to Mahomes. ESPN’s Ryan Clark swiftly criticized the snub: "You don’t build chemistry by publicly diminishing your teammate."

The timing amplifies concerns. Miami missed the 2024 playoffs at 8-9, with both players regressing:

• Tagovailoa missed 6 games due to injuries

• Hill posted his lowest receiving yards (959) since 2021

The Apology That Didn’t Stick: Unresolved Tensions

Hill attempted damage control in February 2025, telling Up & Adams: "Tua’s my guy. I own my comments – frustration got the better of me." Yet his latest QB rankings suggest lingering issues.

This pattern mirrors Hill’s history of candid critiques, including past jabs at former Chiefs teammate Mahomes. For Tagovailoa, already scrutinized over durability and late-game execution, the snub adds pressure to prove his leadership.

Dolphins’ Leadership Walks Tightrope

Coach Mike McDaniel has publicly emphasized unity: "Both men own their roles in our success." But tensions surfaced in June 2024 when Hill joked about Tagovailoa’s weight loss during a press conference, prompting McDaniel to call it "a line-crossing moment."

Front office support remains firm. GM Chris Grier shut down trade rumors: "Tyreek isn’t going anywhere – we’re committed to this duo." However, Hill’s contract (through 2026) and Tagovailoa’s $53M/year extension create a high-stakes partnership.

By the Numbers: Proof of Partnership Potential

When healthy, the duo dominates:

• 2023 Season: 1,710 combined yards | 13 TDs | Tagovailoa Pro Bowl selection

• Without Tagovailoa: Hill averages 56.7 yards/game (vs. 100.6 with him)

2025 Season: Trust Over Talent?

Both players face career-defining challenges:

• Tagovailoa: Overhauling training regimen to improve mobility/durability

• Hill: Returning to 2023 form after career-low 11.2 yards/catch in 2024

As ESPN’s Joy Taylor observes: "Their connection can still be football’s most explosive weapon – but only if they rebuild trust off the field."

Miami’s playoff hopes may hinge less on arm talent and more on whether these two stars can realign as genuine partners. The Dolphins’ chemistry experiment begins now.