The Dolphins’ decision to bring in Darren Waller is undeniably a risk—but one with potentially big rewards
At a time when elite tight ends are few and far between, and offensive consistency is vital, Waller offers a possible solution to a nagging problem.
Injuries, age, and time away from the game are legitimate red flags, but Waller has beaten the odds before. If he can stay on the field and regain even a portion of his Pro Bowl form, Miami may have pulled off one of the savvier moves of the offseason.
Only time will tell if this gamble pays off, but one thing is clear: the Dolphins aren’t content with standing still.
They’re swinging for impact—and in Darren Waller, they might just find it.
The Dolphins’ decision to bring Darren Waller out of retirement isn’t without merit. When healthy, Waller is among the most dynamic tight ends in the NFL. But his availability has always been the biggest “if.”
With Jonnu Smith gone and few other proven options at the position, the team is betting big on Waller rediscovering his old form.
The fan reaction has been passionate and divided, which only adds to the intrigue. Miami may have lost one of its most consistent players, but they’ve gained one of the league’s most intriguing comeback stories.
Also Read: Darren Waller: Siblings, Parents, Age, Bio/Wiki, New Album And More
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Darren Waller’s Return Sparks Buzz as Dolphins Reshape Tight End Corps
Darren Waller’s return to the NFL after a brief retirement has stunned both fans and analysts alike.1
The former Pro Bowl tight end agreed to a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins worth up to $5 million, just months after stepping away from football.
Waller, 31, spent the 2023 season with the New York Giants, tallying a modest 52 receptions for 552 yards and a single touchdown.
Despite his underwhelming season and subsequent retirement announcement, the Dolphins have rolled the dice by giving him another shot.
Waller’s comeback is especially notable given that it comes in the wake of Miami trading fellow tight end Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The timing of both moves has only heightened curiosity about the Dolphins’ strategy moving forward.
6.25.25 pic.twitter.com/vIbz4Pek1I
— Darren Waller (@Rackkwall83) June 20, 2025
A Strategic Gamble by the Dolphins
With Jonnu Smith no longer in the picture, Miami found itself thin at tight end. Smith had been a key safety valve for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, contributing as both a pass-catcher and blocker.
His ability to stretch the field and haul in short-yardage gains made him an integral piece of Miami’s offensive puzzle.
By bringing in Darren Waller, the Dolphins are clearly hoping to fill the void left by Smith’s departure. However, Waller’s injury history and inconsistency in recent years have led many to view this as a risky gamble.
His talent is undeniable, but durability has always been a concern. Whether he can quickly adapt to a new system and regain peak form remains to be seen.
The Trade Details: A Low-Risk Investment
According to multiple reports, the Dolphins acquired Waller and a conditional 2027 seventh-round pick from the Giants in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round selection.
Financially and structurally, it’s a low-risk move for Miami. A one-year commitment with a relatively modest cap hit gives the team flexibility.
More importantly, it signals that Miami isn’t content sitting idle following Smith’s exit. Head coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier appear intent on keeping the offense dynamic, even if it means making unconventional moves like bringing Waller out of retirement.
Darren Waller: Fan Reactions
From Excitement to Skepticism
NFL fans didn’t hold back after news of Waller’s return broke. Social media erupted with a mix of excitement, mockery, and speculation.2
Some fans embraced the move, praising the Dolphins for taking a creative approach to replacing Jonnu Smith.
“Miami cooking up something,” one user wrote, clearly intrigued by the team’s offseason maneuvering.
Others were far less optimistic. One post read: “My goodness what a brutal couple of days for Miami,” reflecting concerns that the Dolphins are spiraling rather than rebuilding.
Another added sarcastically: “He will retire after 5 games with Tua,” referencing both Waller’s past injury woes and Tua Tagovailoa’s own history of concussions and missed time.
Perhaps the harshest jab came from a fan who quipped: “The Dolphins really trying to get the 1st pick in next year’s draft.” It’s clear that while the move has generated buzz, it hasn’t exactly inspired universal confidence.
Tight End Depth Chart in Flux
Waller’s arrival shifts the dynamics in Miami’s tight end room, which has been left bare by Smith’s departure.
Outside of Waller, the team’s remaining tight ends—Julian Hill and Pharaoh Brown—don’t bring much production to the table.
In 2024, Hill and Brown combined for just 20 receptions, making it clear the Dolphins were in urgent need of an upgrade.
Waller immediately becomes the presumed TE1, provided he stays healthy. His size, route-running, and athleticism give him a clear advantage, but he’ll need time to acclimate to Miami’s offensive scheme and build chemistry with Tua.
Jonnu Smith’s Departure: A Significant Loss
Jonnu Smith’s trade to the Steelers caught many by surprise, especially given his strong performance last season.
He provided stability and consistency in an offense that often relied on quick throws and check-downs. Pittsburgh wasted no time in locking him up, offering a one-year, $12 million extension that highlights just how valuable Smith was perceived to be.
Smith’s loss isn’t just about numbers—it’s about trust. Tua leaned on him when under pressure, and without that outlet, the quarterback may be forced to look deeper downfield, increasing risk and potential for turnovers.
Darren Waller’s Life Outside Football
During his year away from the gridiron, Darren Waller didn’t disappear from the public eye. He pursued a different passion—music.3
Waller released several rap tracks and music videos on YouTube, using his platform to express creativity and perhaps find personal healing.
His off-field pursuits were a reminder that athletes are multi-dimensional people with interests far beyond their sport.
However, this musical venture also added to fan skepticism about his commitment to football. Some worry that his time away might have dulled his competitive edge or that his focus isn’t entirely back on football.
The Tua Factor: Chemistry Will Be Key
Tua Tagovailoa’s development continues to be the most important storyline in Miami. With a make-or-break season looming, surrounding him with reliable weapons is essential.
Losing a dependable tight end in Smith and replacing him with a question mark like Waller introduces a new variable.
Can Waller quickly learn the offense? Can he stay healthy long enough to build meaningful rapport with Tua? These are critical questions that will define the Dolphins’ season.
If the chemistry clicks, this signing could be a masterstroke. If not, it may only highlight front-office miscalculations.
Injury History: A Lingering Concern
Perhaps the biggest cloud hovering over this deal is Waller’s track record with injuries. He has missed significant time in recent years with hamstring and ankle issues.
The wear and tear of playing tight end—one of the most physically demanding positions in football—only raises the stakes.
A best-case scenario sees Waller making it through the season with solid production and no health setbacks. Worst case? Another premature retirement that leaves Miami scrambling for answers yet again.
Dolphins’ Offseason Narrative Shifts
The Dolphins’ offseason had been relatively quiet before this double move involving Jonnu Smith and Darren Waller. Now, the narrative has changed.
Miami is no longer seen as playing it safe—they’re taking risks, experimenting, and trying to find the right formula to get back to the playoffs.
Whether Waller is the piece that fits remains unclear, but the Dolphins’ front office is showing a willingness to be bold. That may not always win over fans, but it keeps the team relevant and competitive in a tight AFC race.
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Miami’s Roster Gamble with Darren Waller’s Return
A Calculated Gamble for Tight End Stability
The Miami Dolphins’ decision to sign Darren Waller marks a strategic yet risky move by a franchise in need of reliability at the tight end position.
As reported by USA Today’s For The Win, the acquisition is viewed as a “reasonable gamble”—a description that encapsulates both optimism and caution.
The Dolphins haven’t had consistent production from the tight end spot in recent years, and with limited options in the market, Waller represented the best mix of potential upside and veteran experience.
Though Waller hasn’t played a full season since 2020, the former Pro Bowler brings undeniable talent. His back-to-back 1,100-yard seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2019 and 2020 showcased his elite athleticism, route-running skills, and ability to serve as a go-to target.
For Miami, the question isn’t whether Waller has the ability—but whether he still has enough left in the tank.
The Injury Concerns Are Real
Waller’s body has taken a beating over the last few years. Since 2021, injuries have limited his availability and productivity.
In 2022 and 2023 combined, he appeared in only 20 games, managing just over 600 total receiving yards. Hamstring issues, knee setbacks, and a recent battle with lingering soft-tissue injuries have all cast doubt on his durability.
NFL careers can be derailed quickly by recurring injuries, especially for players who rely on speed and agility to separate from defenders.
For Waller, who turns 32 in September, age adds another layer of concern. The Dolphins are gambling that improved health, a fresh start, and a tailored offensive system will help Waller recapture some of the explosiveness that made him a star.
Darren Waller: From Forgotten Prospect to Pro Bowl Star
Waller’s NFL journey is anything but ordinary. Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, he initially entered the league as a wide receiver before transitioning to tight end.
After early struggles, including multiple suspensions for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, Waller’s career seemed on the verge of ending.
However, after being signed off the Ravens’ practice squad by the Raiders in 2018, Waller seized his second chance.
His breakout 2019 season—90 catches for 1,145 yards—came out of nowhere and quickly established him as one of the league’s premier tight ends. He followed it up with another elite season in 2020, catching 107 passes for 1,196 yards and nine touchdowns.
Waller’s redemption arc made him a fan favorite and a respected locker-room figure. Now, with Miami, the Dolphins are hoping to unlock that same player once again.
Miami’s Tight End Dilemma
The Dolphins have struggled to find consistent tight end production since the departure of Mike Gesicki.
While they’ve had flashes from players like Durham Smythe, none have brought the dynamic receiving threat that Waller potentially offers.
In Mike McDaniel’s offensive scheme, the tight end position plays a crucial role in creating mismatches and opening up the middle of the field—especially valuable when defenses are focused on stopping Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle on the perimeter.
In this context, Waller could thrive if healthy. His size (6’6″, 255 lbs) and speed make him a matchup nightmare for linebackers and safeties. Add in his experience and understanding of coverage, and he could become a reliable third option for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa—particularly on third downs and in the red zone.
Darren Waller: New Vlog
Darren Waller shared some glimpses from his latest YouTube vlog on his instagram account.
View this post on Instagram
The Quarterback Factor: Tua’s Trust
One of the key dynamics that will determine Waller’s success in Miami is his chemistry with Tua Tagovailoa. Tua has shown steady improvement under head coach Mike McDaniel but still needs a security blanket over the middle of the field. Waller, at his best, fits that mold perfectly.
His catch radius and contested-catch ability can bail out a quarterback under pressure and offer a consistent target in the intermediate passing game.
Tua is coming off a career-best season in 2023, where he led the NFL in passing yards, but questions remain about his long-term health and consistency under pressure.
A tight end like Waller, if dependable, could serve as a pressure valve, helping the young quarterback stay in rhythm and avoid taking unnecessary hits.
The Salary Cap and Financial Risk
- While the exact financial terms of Waller’s deal with the Dolphins haven’t been disclosed in detail, any veteran signing comes with salary cap implications.
- Miami is currently navigating a delicate cap situation, having invested heavily in key players like Hill, Waddle, and their offensive line.
- If Waller fails to produce or ends up sidelined due to injury, the Dolphins may regret allocating valuable resources toward a declining asset. On the flip side, if he plays even close to his peak, Waller’s contract could look like a steal.
- The Dolphins are betting that a calculated risk on an experienced tight end can help them compete in a crowded AFC playoff picture.
- But the margin for error is slim, especially with expectations mounting after consecutive postseason berths.
- Beyond the stat sheet, Waller brings leadership and maturity to the Dolphins’ locker room. His journey through adversity—overcoming addiction, rebuilding his career, and becoming a mental health advocate—makes him a valuable veteran presence.
- Young players often look up to those who’ve weathered storms and emerged stronger, and Waller fits that mold.
- Miami’s locker room, while talented, has experienced turnover and personality clashes in recent years.
- Adding a player with Waller’s story and perspective could help foster unity and professionalism in a team still looking to take the next step.
