Kansas City, MO – Arrowhead Wire

When the Kansas City Chiefs traded star wide receiver Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins in 2022, the move shocked fans and pundits alike. But three years later, the numbers tell a compelling story — and the Chiefs are still reaping the benefits.

In 2024, Hill’s cap hit stands at $32 million. Meanwhile, the combined 2025 cap hit for the players Kansas City acquired through the trade — George Karlaftis, Trent McDuffie, Trey Smith, and Nick Bolton — is slightly lower at $30.2 million.

Not only are the Chiefs saving cap space, but they’ve built a foundation of young, dynamic talent on both sides of the ball. Karlaftis has become a force on the defensive line, McDuffie a reliable presence in the secondary, Bolton a tackling machine in the heart of the defense, and Smith an anchor on the offensive line.

The trade wasn’t just about finances — it was about building for the future. And now, entering the 2025 season, it’s clear that Kansas City made the right call.

“That trade is still paying dividends three years later,” as noted by Price Carter of Arrowhead Wire. With a roster built for sustained success, the Chiefs continue to prove why they’re one of the NFL’s smartest-run organizations.