Julian Hill: Everything you need to know

The Patriots placed Hill (undisclosed) on IR on Monday, Evan Lazar of the team's official site reports. Hill joined the Patriots back in March on a three-year deal, but an unspecified injury now will sideline the tight end for the season. For now, Eli Raridon, CJ Dippre and Tanner Arkin are in the mix behind top TE Hunter Henry, but there's a solid chance the team will bring in added depth at the position in the wake of Hill's injury.

Hill agreed to terms Wednesday on a three-year contract with the Patriots, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports. Hill fits with New England as a depth option and blocker behind starting tight end Hunter Henry, a role opened up by the departure of Austin Hooper to Atlanta. Regardless of the change of scenery, Hill's realistic realm of outcomes for 2026 likely doesn't include attaining fantasy relevance, as across 14 regular-season appearances with the Dolphins in 2025 he managed only 150 receiving yards (a career high). That said, at 6-foot-4, 251 pounds, Hill could emerge as an option for quarterback Drake Maye in the red zone.

Hill secured his only target for eight yards during Miami's 38-10 loss to the Patriots on Sunday. Hill suited up for 14 regular-season games across the course of the 2025 campaign, securing 15 of 20 targets for a career-high 140 receiving yards. He's set to become a restricted free agent this offseason, meaning the Dolphins will have the right to match any offer he receives from another team. Top tight ends Darren Waller (groin) and Greg Dulcich are both slated to become unrestricted free agents, meaning Hill could face a relatively open depth chart if he does return to Miami. Still, Hill is primarily a blocking tight end and seems unlikely to ever emerge as a consistent target in the receiving game.