Phins Take Long Shot Roll on Darren Waller

Waller is a long shot roll on a retired player

In a move that has taken the NFL by surprise, the Miami Dolphins have traded for former Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller, who is coming out of retirement to rejoin the league. Even given the Phins out of the box style, this was a shocker. Maybe the trade of Jonnu Smith and the limited options out there made them take the shot or maybe they are real believers.

Either way, the Dolphins acquired Waller from the New York Giants in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick and a conditional 2027 seventh-round pick. Waller has agreed to a one-year contract worth up to $5 million, pending his reinstatement from the reserve/retired list.

Waller is a low cost, long shot roll of the dice.

Will it pay off?

Waller was retired for all of the 2024 Season

Waller, 32, announced his retirement in June 2024 after a season with the Giants, during which he recorded 52 receptions for 552 yards and one touchdown. Prior to his time in New York, Waller spent several seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2020 with standout seasons in 2019 and 2020, totaling 197 receptions for 2,341 yards and 12 touchdowns

The Dolphins’ decision to trade for Waller comes on the heels of sending tight end Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a separate deal involving cornerback Jalen Ramsey and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Smith had a record-setting season for Miami in 2024, setting franchise records for receptions (88) and receiving yards (884) by a tight end, along with eight touchdowns. With Smith’s departure, you can bet with the best pay per head that the Dolphins were in need of a veteran presence at the tight end position.

What does Waller bring IF he pans out?

Waller’s return to the NFL adds depth and experience to the Dolphins’ offense. While concerns about his age and recent retirement are valid, Waller’s previous performances demonstrate his potential to contribute significantly. At best his ability to stretch the field and create mismatches in the passing game could complement Miami’s existing offensive weapons as a situational limited reps player. At worst, he brings veteran tutelage for Training Camp and is cut before the season start at the loss of a 6th Round pick and a millionish dollars.

This is clearly an out of left field move. If it flops, it will end up a Dolphins meme or something. But maybe something comes out of it? I wouldn’t be the house, but you never know. It’s another interesting story at least. Let’s hope it has a nice little Cinderella ending. Just don’t the house that it will. Go Phins!!!