Report: Darren Waller comes out of retirement to join Dolphins in trade with Giants

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Dolphins are bringing in a surprising addition at tight end — and it’s a name many thought was done with football.

Veteran tight end Darren Waller is coming out of retirement to join the Dolphins, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero confirmed Tuesday.

Miami worked out a trade with the New York Giants, who still held Waller’s rights despite his retirement.

The Dolphins are sending a 2026 conditional sixth-round pick to the Giants for Waller and a 2027 seventh-rounder, per a source.

It’s essentially a free pick for New York for a player who had already walked away from the game — and a low-risk flier for Miami on a pass-catcher who, at his best, was among the league’s elite.

Waller reportedly only wanted to return to the NFL if it meant playing in Miami, and now he’ll get that chance.

A former pro bowler, Waller has previously suited up for the Ravens, Raiders, and Giants. Over 86 career games, he’s recorded 350 catches for 4,124 yards and 20 touchdowns.

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Ryan Mackey

Ryan Mackey

Ryan Mackey is a Digital Journalist at WPLG. He was born on Long Island, New York, and has lived in Sunrise, Florida since 1994.