The Miami Dolphins’ long list of ‘revenge games’ in 2026 is one name shorter than we all expected

One former Miami Dolphins’ 2026 season is over before it ever began.

Kyle Crabbs — NFL National Writer
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Oct 12, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Julian Hill (89) runs the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Rich Storry-Imagn Images

The Miami Dolphins‘ long list of revenge games in 2026 has, sadly, just gotten one name shorter.

The Dolphins are set to go about facing just about every major name that’s left the roster this offseason. Pick a name. Any name. Mike McDaniel? Check. Tua Tagovailoa? The preseason…but yeah, absolutely. Jaylen Waddle? You bet. Bradley Chubb? Twice! If you left Miami and have landed with a new team in 2026, you’re probably playing against the Miami Dolphins this season. Except for tight end Julian Hill. Because his season is over.

Former Miami Dolphins tight end Julian Hill’s first season in New England is over before it even began

Oct 12, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Julian Hill (89) runs the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium.Rich Storry-Imagn Images

The news came out yesterday. Former Miami Dolphins tight end Julian Hill has been placed on injured reserve, ending his 2026 season before it ever really got off the ground. Hill, who was an undrafted rookie who signed in Miami during the 2023 offseason, has steadily developed into a viable NFL tight end. After establishing himself as a more reliable and consistent talent in 2025, Hill left in free agency on a surprisingly big contract.

Hill’s deal with New England saw him land a three-year, $15 million contract, including a $4.2 million signing bonus.

But now, he’ll have to set his sights on 2027 and the Dolphins will miss him both times they play the Patriots this fall. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel called the injury “devastating” today, while Patriots beat reporter Mike Reiss reported that the injury that’s ended Hill’s first season away from the Dolphins is a knee injury that took place in practice. His time in Miami was largely filled with thankless, dirty work snaps. And Hill was (unfairly at times) maligned by many fans. But here’s to a full recovery — as Hill’s selflessness and effort have helped him carve out a career that felt like a long-shot from the jump. I’ll be pulling for him all the way. Even in New England.

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