Miami Dolphins have secured a surprise reunion with former Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller. The team will trade a 2026 sixth-round pick to the New York Giants in exchange for Waller and a conditional 2027 seventh-round pick.
Waller, 32, was one of the league’s top tight ends from 2019-2020 before being traded to the Giants last season. He announced his retirement in June due to health concerns after a scary hospital stay in November 2023. However, Waller revealed he is returning for love of the game, according to sources close to him.
The signing fills a need left by tight end Jonnu Smith, but also comes with risk. Waller’s past struggles with addiction and recent health scare are well-documented. Despite these challenges, he has vowed to use his story to help others and recorded 940 receiving yards in the two seasons after signing an extension with the Raiders.
Waller played under Dolphins’ new tight ends coach Frank Smith during his best seasons with the Raiders. The move marks the second major trade by Dolphins general manager Chris Grier in as many days, following a recent deal that sent cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45631064/darren-waller-unretiring-dolphins-acquire-te-trade