Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes recently opened up about the departure of star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, admitting that while he wanted to keep his former teammate, he trusted the long-term plan laid out by Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach.
Tyreek Hill, a dynamic offensive weapon who spent six seasons with the Chiefs after being drafted in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, has built a Hall of Fame-worthy career. Hill, now 28, earned Pro Bowl selections every year from 2016 to 2022 and became one of the most electrifying players in the league. His trade to the Miami Dolphins last season was a major shift for Kansas City, but Hill continued to thrive, setting career highs with 119 receptions and 1,710 yards in 2023 and earning his fourth First-Team All-Pro selection.
Mahomes revealed that the decision to move on from Hill wasn’t easy, especially given Hill’s contribution to the Chiefs’ Super Bowl success in 2020. “It was no secret that I wanted to re-sign Tyreek and keep the band together,” Mahomes said. “I wanted to keep him for sure.”
However, as Mahomes’ own record-breaking 10-year, $450 million contract began to weigh on the team’s salary cap, it became clear that some difficult choices had to be made. Veach explained that as free agency unfolded, wide receiver contracts were skyrocketing, and retaining Hill on a new deal—especially one that would set a new standard for the position—was becoming unfeasible. Hill eventually signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the Dolphins.
Veach noted that prioritizing the defensive side of the ball became essential for the Chiefs’ long-term success. “It was going to be tough to do both—extend Hill and address the defense,” Veach explained. “We knew what the next two or three years would look like, and we had to make some tough calls.”
Mahomes acknowledged the tough nature of the decision but trusted the Chiefs’ front office to execute their vision. “They had a plan for it though. They told me the plan and that we were going to get these draft picks. We were going to go out there and bring in some free agent receivers, and I think they executed on that,” Mahomes said. The Chiefs used the extra draft capital from the Hill trade to strengthen other areas of their roster, a strategic move aimed at long-term competitiveness.
While Mahomes’ massive contract jumped from $8 million in 2021 to $35 million this season, the Chiefs were conscious of their salary cap constraints. Veach remarked on the delicate balance required to remain competitive in a salary cap league. “We knew we’d have a lot of expensive players, and it’s hard to be successful year after year. We’ve got to trust the process, even when it means making uncomfortable decisions.”
Mahomes emphasized that for him, it’s about the long-term outlook. “I always want to be successful this year, but at the same time, I’m here for the long haul. I want to have a chance to win Super Bowls every single year.”
Travis Kelce, Mahomes’ trusted teammate and one of the team’s offensive cornerstones, also admitted to having concerns after the Hill trade. He wondered how the offense might be affected and how it would impact his own role, but he ultimately understood the business decision.
Despite the uncertainty, Mahomes remains confident in the Chiefs’ strategy. “To keep having success in this league, we have to keep evolving, keep getting better. I trust the front office to make the right moves for the future.”
With Mahomes at the helm and a new-look roster, the Chiefs are determined to remain a Super Bowl contender. While the departure of Hill marked the end of an era, the team’s commitment to sustained success means evolving to stay competitive.
