Darren Waller Comes Out of Retirement to Join Dolphins After Stunning Trade Shake-Up
The NFL was rocked by a stunning trade on June 30 that sent shockwaves across the league. In a rare and blockbuster player-for-player deal, the Miami Dolphins traded All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick — marking Fitzpatrick’s return to Miami. The swap left a glaring void at tight end for the Dolphins, but the team wasn’t done making headlines.
In a dramatic twist, former Raiders and Giants tight end Darren Waller announced he was coming out of retirement to join the Dolphins, just weeks after stepping away from the game. Waller had officially retired in June 2024 to pursue a music career, a move that surprised many fans and analysts. But now, he’s back in the league and ready to reignite his football journey in Miami.
Waller’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, detailed how the comeback unfolded. “It was amazing. I got a call from Darren late June,” Rosenhaus said. “He told me, ‘Drew, I’ve decided to play again. I miss football, I have the itch. The love of the game is back. And I want to play for the Miami Dolphins.’”
Thanks to swift cooperation between Giants general manager Joe Schoen and Dolphins GM Chris Grier, a deal came together quickly. The timing couldn’t have been better for Miami, who were left scrambling after losing Smith in the Ramsey trade.
Waller, 31, last played for the New York Giants in 2023, where he recorded 552 receiving yards and a touchdown. While those numbers pale in comparison to Jonnu Smith’s 884 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024, Waller’s ceiling is still remarkably high. If he can return to his Pro Bowl form from 2019 and 2020, when he posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, the Dolphins may have landed another offensive weapon capable of tilting the AFC playoff race.
Waller’s return adds another intriguing chapter to a wild offseason for Miami — and possibly a final shot at glory for one of the league’s most talented tight ends.
