The Miami Dolphins have taken an unexpected route to bolster their roster by acquiring veteran tight end Darren Waller from the New York Giants. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, a trade agreement is now in place, marking Waller's return to the NFL after a brief retirement. This surprising move comes as the Dolphins look to strengthen their offensive lineup.
As per the reports, the Giants still held Waller's rights, necessitating this trade to proceed. Interestingly, Waller had expressed that he would only consider resuming his playing career if it was with the Dolphins. Now, that wish is set to become a reality. ESPN's Adam Schefter further reveals that Miami will receive Waller along with a conditional seventh-round pick in 2027, while the Giants will receive a sixth-round pick in 2026 in return.
Waller, who was acquired by the Giants from the Las Vegas Raiders, faced immense expectations upon his arrival in New York. However, he only played one season with the team, leading to discussions about retirement on multiple occasions. Following a concerning health incident in November 2023, Waller officially decided to retire last June. Although his decision was primarily influenced by health concerns and a dwindling passion for football, the Giants maintained his rights throughout the process.
At the time of his retirement, Waller still had two years remaining on his contract. However, Pelissero notes that he will be signing a restructured contract with the Dolphins, which will be heavily incentive-based. Reports from Schefter indicate that this new deal is a one-year contract worth up to $5 million through various incentives.
Waller's addition to the Dolphins comes at a crucial time, particularly following the recent trade of tight end Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Dolphins were actively seeking a tight end to enhance their offensive strategy, and Waller's veteran experience will be invaluable as he aims to serve as a reliable pass-catching option for the team.
While Waller's retirement seemed definitive, his return to the NFL with the Dolphins is a notable exception. Many players in the league face similar dilemmas regarding their passion and health, but Waller's choice to join Miami signifies a new chapter in his career. As he prepares for his ninth NFL season, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the addition of Waller will impact the Dolphins' performance in the upcoming season.
