Darren Waller, the talented tight end, is making a surprising return to the NFL after a year in retirement, as he is set to be traded to the Miami Dolphins from the New York Giants.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero broke the news on Tuesday, confirming that Waller, who had last played for the Giants in 2023, is not alone in the trade.
The Giants will send Waller along with a conditional 2027 seventh-round pick to Miami. In exchange, New York will receive a 2026 sixth-round pick from the Dolphins.
As part of the deal, Waller has entered into a one-year contract with the Dolphins, which could be worth up to $5 million, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Set to turn 33 in September, Waller’s career has been marked by both struggle and triumph.
After serving eight seasons in the NFL, Waller took a break from football last June, citing personal reasons and a health scare during the previous season.
His decision came ahead of the Giants’ mandatory minicamp, marking a significant point in his career.
Despite his retirement, Waller had a solid stint in 2023 with the Giants, starting 12 games and recording 52 receptions for 522 yards and a touchdown.
Known primarily for his impressive five-season run with the Raiders from 2018 to 2022, Waller transitioned to stardom after initially starting his career with the Baltimore Ravens.
While with the Ravens, Waller faced challenges, including two suspensions related to substance abuse, which impacted his momentum early on.
However, he rebounded dramatically with the Raiders, notching back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons in 2019 and 2020.
It was during this time that he became a vocal advocate for overcoming struggles with substance abuse, eventually earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2020.
In that standout year, he achieved 107 receptions, 1,196 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier tight ends.
Since that explosive period, however, Waller has not exceeded 665 yards in a season, leading to his decision to retire temporarily.
The Dolphins’ acquisition of Waller comes right on the heels of another significant player move.
The team recently traded tight end Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers, which was part of a larger deal that involved sending seven-time Pro Bowler Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh.
Miami received back five-time Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick as part of the exchange, making headlines in the league.
Smith’s performance during his time with the Dolphins was noteworthy, as he earned his first Pro Bowl nod in a productive season.
In fact, Smith’s 88 catches and 884 receiving yards were the highest ever recorded by a tight end in a single season for the Dolphins.
He also led the team with eight receiving touchdowns, showcasing his impact on the field.
As Waller joins the Dolphins, he will take on a vital role in a tight end room that currently includes Pharaoh Brown, Julian Hill, and several former undrafted free agents.
Collectively, the other tight ends on the roster have a modest total of 90 career receptions, making Waller’s experience and skillset even more crucial.
Waller’s return to the NFL is particularly significant considering the events that led to his retirement.
In a candid YouTube video, he detailed personal challenges he faced, including a difficult divorce from WNBA star Kelsey Plum, and the medical issue that caused him to stay in the hospital for an extended period.
The incident occurred in the 2023 season while he was sidelined with a hamstring injury, highlighting the adversities he overcame both on and off the field.
“Last season in New Jersey, we played the Jets on October 29. I got hurt that game,” he recounted.
The fever and chills he experienced forced him to take drastic action, culminating in a call to 911 when he could no longer breathe.
Waller’s journey reflects a broader narrative of resilience and determination, allowing him to return to the sport he loves after a significant personal hiatus.
The Dolphins are clearly banking on Waller’s considerable talent and experience as they look to elevate their offense in the upcoming season.
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