The Miami Dolphins are navigating some significant changes in their tight end corps, a position that’s now experiencing a shakeup after a blockbuster trade. On Monday, the Dolphins dealt Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith, along with standout cornerback Jalen Ramsey, to the Pittsburgh Steelers. In return, they received safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a pick swap for 2027. The aftermath of this move leaves a tight end room that features Tanner Conner, Pharoah Brown, Hayden Rucci, Julian Hill, and undrafted rookie Jaylin Conyers—none of whom have registered more than 15 catches, 100 yards, or a touchdown in the NFL during 2024.
However, the Dolphins didn’t sit idle following this trade. On Tuesday morning, they made a strategic move by sending a sixth-round pick in 2026 to the New York Giants for Darren Waller and a seventh-round pick in 2027. Waller, who briefly stepped away from football after the 2023 season, is reportedly in line for a one-year contract worth up to $5 million.
This acquisition shouldn’t come as a complete surprise. Reports indicated that the Dolphins were actively exploring options to fill the void at tight end shortly after the Smith trade. Waller checks all the boxes as a large, pass-catching threat who can make an immediate impact.
Last seen on the field in 2023, Waller compiled 52 receptions for 552 yards and a touchdown. His journey in the NFL has been a rocky one, punctuated by personal struggles, including a candid discussion in 2025 about losing his passion for the game following his trade to the Giants. Waller has worked diligently on his sobriety after confronting substance and alcohol abuse issues that nearly derailed his career. In his own words, he spoke about feeling unfulfilled despite being free of addictions: “I wasn’t doing drugs and alcohol anymore, but the hole was still there. There are still childhood traumas that needed to be unpacked.”
Over his eight-season career, Waller has amassed 350 receptions for more than 4,100 yards and 20 touchdowns. He gained particular acclaim during two back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2019 and 2020 when current Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith served as his tight ends coach. The connection between Waller and Smith could be a pivotal factor in Waller’s return to the game—reportedly, he expressed his desire to return to play “only if he could do it in Miami,” highlighting a potential reunion that resonates positively.
Replacing Smith’s production will not be an easy task. His tenure with the Dolphins saw him emerge as one of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s key targets. In fact, he had a career year, posting personal bests with 88 receptions, 884 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection along the way. Tagovailoa expressed his gratitude for Smith’s contributions, stating, “That’s my guy… I love him as a person, too, outside of football.”
Among the remaining tight ends, Brown, Rucci, and Hill primarily excel as blockers, with limited experience as pass catchers. Beyond Waller, Conner stands out as a potential candidate to step into Smith’s shoes. A former receiver turned tight end from Idaho State, Conner joined the Dolphins in 2022 but has seen minimal action over the past few years. He did earn a start early in the 2024 season when Smith was still learning the playbook, but the results were modest—just one catch on two targets for a single yard during a game against the Seattle Seahawks. As he heads into his fourth year, Conner is optimistic about his understanding of the Dolphins’ offense. “I’m super confident this year regardless of where I’m at,” he stated. “I’ve been in this system a long time and I understand it.”
Conyers, similarly, brings a bit of intrigue. Initially projected as a late-round pick due to his athletic prowess, the Texas Tech product went undrafted, allowing the Dolphins to scoop him up. While his college stats might not be eye-popping, there’s a sense of potential there. NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein noted that Conyers has the right blend of size and skills to be a surprising success in the league—if he dedicates himself to improvement off the field. “The route-running needs work… but he has the size and ball skills to win when contested,” Zierlein pointed out.
Regardless of who ultimately fills Smith’s role, the Dolphins can feel reassured knowing they’ve got hall of fame tight end coach Jon Embree guiding them. With his history of mentoring Pro Bowl talents like Tony Gonzalez, George Kittle, and Jordan Cameron, it’s safe to say that any tight end who earns Embree’s endorsement will find themselves well-prepared for the challenges ahead. The Dolphins are certainly looking to tap into that expertise as they navigate this pivotal transition.
