The former Giants tight end—and one-time husband to WNBA star Kelsey Plum—is back on the field, heading south in a high-stakes swap that reshapes Miami’s playbook.
Hold onto your jerseys—Darren Waller is un-retiring and heading to South Beach. The 6’6” 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, he’s making a surprising return—and it’s with the Miami Dolphins 🐬 reuters.com.
🤝 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-$5 million deal, contingent on reinstatement from the reserve/retired list reuters.com.
🏈 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.
They’re paying late-round picks for a veteran with wear-and-tear concerns—a flash gamble with potential high reward .
🔄 Waller’s 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 shot—with the deep pockets, robust offense, and sunny shores of Miami as his stage.
He told ESPN he “missed football” and is grateful for a second chance ajc.com espn.com.
🌴 Dolphins: Strategic Shift in AFC East
Miami’s general manager Chris Grier hasn’t 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 Waddle—giving Miami a multi-dimensional pass-catching attack.
💔 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 quietly—until now .
🏁 Bottom Line
This is a win-now play with upside and injury risk: Miami gambled a late pick for veteran talent. Waller’s comeback adds sizzle to their offense—and some sweet redemption for a player with elite pedigree.
📚 Sources
- Reuters – Agents: Dolphins deal with Giants for retired TE Darren Waller reuters.com
- Associated Press – Dolphins are trading with Giants for tight end Darren Waller… foxsports.com
- The Phinsider – You graded the Dolphins trades… thephinsider.com
- New York Post – Giants trading Darren Waller to Dolphins… bigblueview.com
- Times of India – NFL trade rumors: Dolphins deal Jonnu Smith… washingtonpost.com
- Fox Sports / ABC7 / WPBF / WSAU News – Additional trade and contract details wsau.com
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