REPORT: Chiefs Could Trade Tyreek Hill Depending on Contract Negotiations

Just because Tyreek Hill won't face any sort of suspension from the NFL following an investigation into potential child or spousal abuse doesn't mean that he's a lock to return to Kansas City.

Hill is an unrestricted free agent at the end of this year, and the Chiefs could cut bait with their explosive but troubled star receiver if they hit a snag in contract negotiations.

The Chiefs, who already had tons of leverage over Hill given his conduct, picked up even more negotiating power when they drafted Georgia speed demon Mecole Hardman in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft, giving them a young, controllable asset with an almost identical skillset to Hill.

At the end of the day, however, Hill has made the Pro Bowl in each of his three seasons in the league and has made the All-Pro team twice, so he should be in line for a payday similar to what the best receivers in the league have received.

If the Chiefs declare the Hill circus and impending contract to be too much ahead of the inevitable Patrick Mahomes mega contract still on the docket, there is still a chance the Chiefs could franchise tag Hill after the 2019 season and trade him, which is the same process they used to trade Dee Ford to the San Francisco 49ers.

If they go that route, they could have a replacement in Hardman. But Hardman's play, and contract negotiations with Hill, could ultimately determine what happens here.