Oct 8, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Giants tight end Darren Waller (12) reaches for the football but cannot make a catch against Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard (25) during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Darren Waller is returning to the NFL this season with the Miami Dolphins, agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey confirmed to ESPN on Monday.
Waller retired prior to the 2024 season, citing a medical scare and a loss of “passion” for football while working on a music career.
At the time of his retirement, Waller was a member of the New York Giants. Per the ESPN report, the Giants have agreed to trade Waller and a conditional 2027 seventh-round draft pick to Miami for a conditional sixth-round pick in 2026.
The agents told ESPN Waller has agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $5 million. Because he officially retired, Waller must be reinstated from the reserve/retired list.
Waller turns 33 in September.
The Dolphins subtracted a tight end this week in the deal with the Steelers for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Miami parted with cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith, who set the Dolphins’ franchise record for receptions (88) and receiving yards (884) by a tight end last season. He also had eight touchdowns in 17 games (six starts) en route to being selected to the Pro Bowl.
Waller was a Pro Bowl selection in 2020 with the Las Vegas Raiders. He said last year that being a football player opened doors to help address his past struggles with addiction that he might not have had otherwise.
“Eternally grateful for the game of football. I wouldn’t be able to have this conversation or to think things through or be self-reflective if it wasn’t for an opportunity to save my life and go to rehab, which the NFL offered me,” he said. “They also gave me an opportunity to reestablish myself, to come back into the world and do something productive. Provide an example, be a leader, be a difference-maker in my craft but also in my day-to-day wherever I go.”
Waller joined the Giants for the 2023 season after two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens (2015-16) and five with the Raiders (2018-22). In his lone season with New York, Waller played 12 games (11 starts) and made 52 receptions for 552 yards and one touchdown.
Waller’s career highs of 107 catches, 1,196 yards and nine touchdowns came in 2020 with the Raiders. In 86 career games (63 starts), Waller has 350 receptions, 4,124 yards and 20 TDs.
–Field Level Media
