Darren Waller's NFL return from retirement: Miami Dolphins acquire star player from New York Giants
Darren Waller is set to make a comeback to the NFL with the Miami Dolphins after he retired at the age of 31. Waller cited a medical scare and a waning passion for football as reasons for stepping away while focusing on his music career.
At the time of his retirement, he was with the New York Giants, who retained his rights. According to ESPN, Waller's agents, Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey, confirmed the trade, which sees the Giants sending Waller and a conditional 2027 seventh-round pick to Miami in exchange for a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick. Waller, who will turn 33 in September, has signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins worth around $5 million.
As Darren Waller is officially retired, he must first be reinstated from the NFL's reserve/retired list before taking the field.
The Dolphins' decision to pursue Waller comes shortly after trading tight end Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a deal that also involved star cornerback Jalen Ramsey and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Smith, who set Miami's franchise records for a tight end with 88 receptions and 884 receiving yards last season, was an important part of the Dolphins' offensive scheme.
Darren Waller's arrival is expected to fill the void created by Smith. His 2023 season with the Giants was modest with 52 receptions for 552 yards and one touchdown over 12 games. In 2020, Waller earned a Pro Bowl nod with a league-leading 107 catches, 1,196 yards, and nine touchdowns among tight ends.
For the Miami Dolphins, Waller's addition is a chance to strengthen an offense that thrives on remarkable players. At 33, questions remain about whether he can return to his Pro Bowl form, but his experience and skills make him a good fit for Miami's high-octane attack.
The Giants made a smart move by trading a retired player, Darren Waller, for a sixth-round draft pick. This shows that GM Joe Schoen and the team's management are sharp, turning a player who's no longer active into a valuable asset for the team's future.
As Waller prepares to step into Jonnu Smith's role, all eyes will be on whether he can reignite the spark that made him one of the NFL's well known tight ends.
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