Tyreek Hill could become first NFL receiver to 2K yards in historic season with Dolphins

The Dolphins trading for Tyreek Hill has been more than worth it as the wide receiver is on pace to make NFL history halfway through the season.

Say what you want. The NFL has added an extra game to the season. Teams throw the ball more today than at any point in the league’s history. Defenses aren’t as strong as they’ve been in past seasons. Whatever the excuse, a wide receiver reaching 2,000 yards would still be incredible.

Eight weeks into the season, Miami Dolphins superstar wide receiver Tyreek Hill has 961 yards, the best mark in the league so far this season. And it’s one of the best starts in the history of the league as well.

This puts him on pace to reach 2,042 yards, which would make him the first receiver in NFL history to cross the 2,000-yard threshold.

Tyreek Hill can become NFL’s first 2,000-yard receiver with Dolphins

Calvin Johnson currently holds the league record with 1,964 yards in the 2012 season (set while only playing 16 games). Cooper Kupp came close last season with 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns. In third place is Julio Jones who had 1,871 yards in 2015. Before these more recent performances, the legendary Jerry Rice held the record for years with 1,848 yards in the 1995 season.

All are incredible feats, so Tyreek Hill joining this company would be significant on its own. But what might make Hill’s season all the more improbable is that there is another star receiver on the Dolphins catching balls at breakneck speed.

Jaylen Waddle has 727 receiving yards so far this season — good enough for fourth in the NFL. Fourth! The Dolphins have the first and fourth most productive receivers. This puts Waddle on pace for 1,545 yards, which would make for a fantastic season for a number one receiver, let alone the second option.

It’s unthinkable that this pace can continue. One or both of these receivers will likely slow down. And with nine games left to play, they’ll face stout defenses in the Buffalo Bills, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Green Bay Packers. Still, the Dolphins have the most passing yards in the NFL (third most yards per game) this season. And with Tua Tagovailoa slinging the ball down downfield, anything is possible.