Chris Jones Makes Public Plea for Tyreek Hill's Return to Kansas City Chiefs
In a notable moment of NFL nostalgia and recruitment, Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones has openly called for wide receiver Tyreek Hill to rejoin the franchise. This appeal comes shortly after Hill was released by the Miami Dolphins, just days before the new league year began on March 11, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Draft Day Connections and Career Paths
The Kansas City Chiefs selected both players in the 2016 NFL Draft, forging a bond that has endured through significant career changes. Defensive tackle Chris Jones was chosen as the 165th overall pick in the fifth round, while wide receiver Tyreek Hill was taken much earlier, at 37th overall in the second round.
Jones remained with the Chiefs, developing into a key defensive leader. In contrast, Hill was traded to the Miami Dolphins in 2022. The trade involved a substantial package: a first-round pick, a second-round pick, two fourth-round picks, and a sixth-round pick sent to Kansas City.
Hill's Contract and Release from Miami
Upon joining the Dolphins, Hill signed a lucrative four-year, $120 million contract extension in 2022. His deal was scheduled to run through 2026, but the Dolphins opted to release him early. This decision was largely financial, as retaining Hill would have incurred a significant salary cap hit of $51.1 million, with $11 million fully guaranteed.
Hill's departure from Miami opens the door for a potential reunion in Kansas City, a prospect enthusiastically promoted by his former teammate.
Jones's Social Media Signal to Hill
Chris Jones took to social media to send a clear message to Hill, tweeting "@cheetah it's time," accompanied by an alarm clock emoji. This public gesture signals Jones's desire for Hill to return to the team that first drafted him into the NFL and to reunite with his "draft buddy."
During his tenure with the Chiefs, Hill was a trusted target for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, playing a crucial role in the team's success in the late 2010s and early 2020s. He participated in two Super Bowls with Kansas City, including a victory in Super Bowl LIV.
Tyreek Hill's Injury and Recovery Timeline
Hill's recent season was cut short due to a severe knee injury sustained in Week 4 against the New York Jets. On the play, he caught a short pass from Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and Jets defensive back Malachi Moore grabbed his leg, causing a twisted fall that left Hill unable to get up.
NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported that Hill suffered a dislocated knee and tore multiple ligaments, including his ACL, ending his 2025 season prematurely. According to Midwest Orthopedics at Rush, rehabilitating an ACL tear typically takes 9 to 12 months. Based on this timeline, Hill is expected to return by the start of the 2026 season, contingent on his rehabilitation progress.
Potential Implications for the Chiefs
A return to Kansas City could bolster the Chiefs' offensive arsenal, reuniting Hill with Mahomes and adding depth to their receiving corps. Jones's public appeal underscores the personal and professional connections that might influence Hill's decision as he navigates free agency and recovery.
As the NFL offseason unfolds, fans and analysts will watch closely to see if Hill heeds Jones's call and makes a dramatic comeback to the franchise where his career began.
