Following his retirement from the NFL last June, former Las Vegas Raiders Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller announced his return to football on Tuesday afternoon. The New York Giants traded Waller, who will turn 33 this season, to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick.
With the loss of Waller, New York will also receive a compensatory 2027 seventh-round pick.
The 2020 Pro Bowler spent five seasons with the Raiders from 2018 to 2022 before being traded to the New York Giants. Waller broke through with the team in its final season in Oakland in 2019, when he racked up 90 receptions for 1,145 yards and three touchdowns.
Former Las Vegas Raiders TE Darren Waller (83).
Former Las Vegas Raiders TE Darren Waller (83).
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Waller was productive in his lone season with the Giants prior to his retirement following the 2023 season. He finished the regular season as the team's second-leading receiver despite missing five games.
Miami's front office and the team's newest addition agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth $5 million for the 2025 season, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero.
Entering Miami's offense, Waller is slated to start at tight end for the Dolphins as the team prepares to enter training camp in just a few weeks. Miami filled a significant void left by Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith, whom the team traded to Pittsburgh as part of the blockbuster Jalen Ramsey-Minkah Fitzpatrick trade.
Smith finished the 2024 campaign as the team's second-leading receiver behind Tyreek Hill, with 88 catches for 884 yards and eight touchdowns on the way to the first Pro Bowl bid of his career.