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The Miami Dolphins acquired tight end Darren Waller from the New York Giants. What is Waller's outlook with his new team. Will he emerge as the team's starting tight end
On Monday morning, the Miami Dolphins and the Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to a blockbuster trade. The Miami Dolphins acquired safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick in exchange for defensive back Jalen Ramsey, tight end Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 seventh-round pick.
Smith enjoyed the best season of his eight-year NFL career with the Dolphins last season. With Miami, Smith caught 88 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns. He was also named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.
With Smith parting ways, the Dolphins lost a key weapon in their passing attack. However, they have already made a significant move and may have found their TE1 for the upcoming season.
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Dolphins to Acquire Pro Bowl Tight End
According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, former New York Giants tight end Darren Waller is coming out of retirement to play for the Miami Dolphins. The 32-year-old initially retired before the start of training camp last season but was still under contract through the 2025 campaign. Pelissero noted that Waller only wanted to return to the NFL if it was with the Dolphins.
In the trade, the Giants are expected to acquire a sixth-round pick in 2026.
Surprise! The #Dolphins are finalizing a trade with the #Giants for former Pro Bowl TE Darren Waller, who is coming out of retirement to play in Miami, per sources.
A fascinating twist for Waller, who retired last summer, and a new weapon for a team that just traded Jonnu Smith. pic.twitter.com/MDO2XnHClb
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 1, 2025
Waller began his career in Baltimore but truly broke out during his time with the Raiders. In 2019, Waller tallied 1,145 yards with three scores on 90 repetitions. The following season, Waller took another step forward, posting a career-best 1,196 yards with nine touchdowns and 70 receptions.
However, during 2021 and 2022, Waller would battle numerous injuries and play in just 20 total games, and combined for 1,053 yards. In 2023, he would join the Giants but tallied only 552 yards across 12 contests.
While Waller has missed time, he has shown high upside as a receiver in the past and could be well-positioned to play a key role in an offense that now lacks a top tight end due to Smith's departure.
Currently, Julian Hill and Pharaoh Brown are the other options on the depth chart. As the depth chart stands, the Dolphins will likely focus much of their passing attack on their top wideouts, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and star running back De'Von Achane, especially if Waller takes some time to return to form.
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