The former Giants tight endâand one-time husband to WNBA star Kelsey Plumâis back on the field, heading south in a high-stakes swap that reshapes Miamiâs playbook.
Hold onto your jerseysâDarren Waller is un-retiring and heading to South Beach. The 6â6â former Pro Bowler, last seen with the Giants in 2023, packed his cleats back into the locker after stepping away in June 2024 due to a medical scare and a stint pursuing music. Now, heâs making a surprising returnâand itâs with the Miami Dolphins đŹ reuters.com.
đ¤ The Trade Breakdown
| To Miami Dolphins | To New York Giants |
|---|---|
| Darren Waller + conditional 2027 7th-round pick | conditional 2026 6th-round pick |
Waller joins on a one-year, up-to-$5âŻmillion deal, contingent on reinstatement from the reserve/retired list reuters.com.
đ What Miami Gains (and Risks)
- Adds a proven playmaker with 350 career catches, 4,124 yards, 20 TDs, and a 2020 Pro Bowl selection reuters.com.
- Fills the tight-end void left when Miami traded Jonnu Smith to the Steelers reuters.com.
Theyâre paying late-round picks for a veteran with wear-and-tear concernsâa flash gamble with potential high reward .
đ Wallerâs Comeback Story
Last season with the Giants, Waller was limited to 12 games, 52 catches, 552 yards, 1 TD reuters.com. His 2024 exit was driven by health and a search for passion off the field reuters.com. Now, at 32, the high-ceiling talent is chasing one more shotâwith the deep pockets, robust offense, and sunny shores of Miami as his stage.
He told ESPN he âmissed footballâ and is grateful for a second chance ajc.com espn.com.
đ´ Dolphins: Strategic Shift in AFC East
Miamiâs general manager Chris Grier hasnât blinked: they recoup Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith while adding a premium tight end at minimal cost thephinsider.com. If Waller stays healthy, he slots in alongside Tua, Tyreek, and Waddleâgiving Miami a multi-dimensional pass-catching attack.
đ Off the Field: Personal Moves
Away from the field, Waller grabbed headlines with his 2023 marriage and later divorce from WNBA star Kelsey Plum. He bounced back quietlyâuntil now .
đ Bottom Line
This is a win-now play with upside and injury risk: Miami gambled a late pick for veteran talent. Wallerâs comeback adds sizzle to their offenseâand some sweet redemption for a player with elite pedigree.
đ Sources
- Reuters â Agents: Dolphins deal with Giants for retired TE Darren Waller reuters.com
- Associated Press â Dolphins are trading with Giants for tight end Darren Waller… foxsports.com
- The Phinsider â You graded the Dolphins trades… thephinsider.com
- New York Post â Giants trading Darren Waller to Dolphins… bigblueview.com
- Times of India â NFL trade rumors: Dolphins deal Jonnu Smith… washingtonpost.com
- Fox Sports / ABC7 / WPBF / WSAU News â Additional trade and contract details wsau.com
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