The Miami Dolphins have officially activated veteran tight end Darren Waller from the physically unable to perform list, the Miami Dolphins’ official X site announced a short time ago. This move comes a day before Liam Cohen’s Jacksonville Jaguars and Mike McDaniel’s Dolphins face off in their one and only joint practice session.
Waller joined the Dolphins after the team traded away
Pro Bowl TE Jonnu Smith, cornerback Jalen Ramsey, and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a blockbuster trade that saw safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick go to Miami.
Miami searched around but ultimately settled on Waller because of his familiarity with offensive coordinator Frank Smith and his fit in the offense. Waller also made it very clear that if he returned, he only wanted to play for the Dolphins. So, Miami and the New York Giants agreed on a trade that would send a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Giants in exchange for Waller and a 2027 7th-round pick.
Waller, 32, will be entering his ninth year in the league after retiring from football last summer. The former sixth-round pick of the 2015 draft started his career with the Baltimore Ravens, but would eventually break out with the Raiders, making the Pro Bowl in 2020 after putting up career-highs in receptions (107), yards (1,196), and touchdowns (9).
Throughout his eight-year career, Waller has amassed 350 receptions for 4,124 yards and 20 touchdowns. In his last full season with the New York Giants in 2023, Waller caught 52 passes for 552 yards and a touchdown.
Are those numbers possible in Miami?
I think so. After all, Jonnu Smith had the greatest season by a tight end in Dolphins’ history in his lone year in Miami. Smith put up career highs and broke franchise records in receptions (88), yards (884), and touchdowns (8) by a tight end.
It’s now Darren Waller’s turn to take the torch, and although it may not seem like it, the soon-to-be 33-year-old tight end has a lot to prove. Not only to his pundits, but to himself. #InDarrenWallerWeTrust.
What are your thoughts on Darren Waller’s return to the football field? What realistic expectations do you have for him this season? Do you think he can eclipse those numbers he put up in his final year with the New York Giants? Let us know in the comments section below!
