After a brief retirement hiatus, Darren Waller is stepping back onto the NFL scene, this time donning the Miami Dolphins’ colors. A source shared that the Dolphins have sealed a deal with the New York Giants, trading a 2026 sixth-round pick for Waller and a conditional 2027 seventh-round pick. Alongside this trade, Waller inked a one-year contract with Miami, reportedly maxing out at $5 million.
Waller’s decision to retire last June was framed as reclaiming his personal autonomy after an eight-season rollercoaster marked by injuries and ordeals. Originally a Baltimore Ravens sixth-rounder in 2015, Waller faced bumps along the way, including suspensions in 2016 and 2017 for violations of the NFL’s substance-abuse policy.
His career took a turn with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders, peaking with a Pro Bowl season in 2020. Thanks to stellar performances, he snagged a three-year, $51 million extension, placing him atop the tight end pay scale then. But a trade to the Giants in 2023 came next, and injuries once again clipped his wings—specifically a hamstring issue that left him with 52 catches, totalling 552 yards and a lone touchdown for the season.
For the Dolphins, the signing of Waller is one of several noteworthy roster changes. Earlier in the week, Miami sent Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith, alongside a draft pick, to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick and a fresh draft opportunity. Waller is poised to step into the void left by Smith, who was a 2024 Pro Bowler.
What This Means for the Dolphins
Waller’s comeback introduces a dynamic playmaker with a resume boasting 107 catches, 1,196 yards, and nine touchdowns from the magic of 2020. Though knocking off rust is inevitable, the potential pairing with offensive maestro Mike McDaniel could reignite his career. With defensive eyes often locked on Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Waller’s opportunities are intriguingly plentiful.
In Smith’s absence, the Dolphins welcome the challenge to integrate a vibrant tight end. Last season saw Smith notch 88 catches with 884 yards and eight touchdowns—metrics Waller aims to rival, if not surpass.
What This Means for the Giants
Arriving as the envisioned spark for the Giants’ offense, Waller’s time in the Big Apple was an experiment in resilience. His acquisition initially looked like a promising, calculated risk. Despite promising glimpses in pre-season, his injury woes shadowed over New York’s 2023 season. Yet, the Giants wisely fortified with Chris Manhertz and promising draft picks.
The trade now equips the Giants with better draft prospects while offloading Waller’s contract, reintegrating resources to fuel future developments.
Waller’s Fantasy Impact
From a fantasy standpoint, Waller’s glory days might seem distant—2020 was his last truly standout year. Since then, his production waned to 8.3 fantasy points per game over three seasons, even with frequent targeting. In Miami, Waller may find himself third—if not fourth—on the offensive pecking order behind Hill, Waddle, and potentially the rising De’Von Achane.
Allotting about 80 targets to Waller forecasts a modest mid-TE2 output. Given his history, he remains a tantalizing later draft pick, but injuries have firmly tagged him as a potential but unpredictable fantasy prospect.
