Darren Waller returns to the NFL in 2025 after a brief retirement and is traded to the Miami Dolphins. Get the latest updates on Waller’s comeback, trade details, contract, and what this means for the Dolphins in the 2025 NFL season.
Darren Waller Returns to NFL in 2025 and Joins Miami Dolphins
In a stunning mid-offseason move, Darren Waller, one of the NFL’s most talented tight ends of the past decade, is making a sensational return to the league. After officially retiring in June 2024, Waller has signed with the Miami Dolphins and is ready to contribute for the upcoming 2025 NFL season.
This move has sent shockwaves across the league, reigniting conversations about Waller’s elite skill set and the Dolphins’ high-powered offense. Let’s break down what this means for Waller, Miami, and the broader landscape of NFL tight ends in 2025.
Darren Waller Trade to Miami Dolphins: The Full Details
The New York Giants, who previously had Waller under contract, traded the veteran tight end to the Miami Dolphins for a 2026 sixth-round pick and a conditional 2027 seventh-round pick. This low-risk, high-reward trade gives the Dolphins a potential game-changing weapon for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Waller has signed a one-year deal worth up to $5 million, according to multiple NFL insiders. His return marks one of the most exciting NFL comebacks of the 2025 offseason.
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A Look Back at Waller’s Career
Before his brief retirement, Darren Waller had established himself as one of the top tight ends in the league. Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Waller’s early career was marred by off-field struggles, including battles with substance abuse. But after achieving sobriety in 2017, he rose to stardom with the Las Vegas Raiders.
His best seasons came in 2019 and 2020, where he racked up:
- 2019: 90 receptions, 1,145 yards, 3 TDs
- 2020: 107 receptions, 1,196 yards, 9 TDs (Pro Bowl selection)
Waller later joined the New York Giants for the 2023 season, recording 52 receptions for 552 yards and a touchdown in 12 games.
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Why Did Darren Waller Retire in 2024?
In June 2024, Waller announced his retirement from the NFL, citing a desire to focus on personal passions, including mental health advocacy and a budding music career. At the time, he had also just finalized a high-profile divorce from WNBA star Kelsey Plum.
The decision seemed final—until now.
Why Waller’s Return in 2025 Matters
Waller’s return adds a new dynamic to the Dolphins’ offense, which already boasts elite receivers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. His size (6’6”), athleticism, and route-running ability make him an instant red-zone threat and a matchup nightmare for linebackers and safeties alike.
For quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Waller could become a key security blanket, especially in third-down and goal-line situations. His veteran leadership will also be a valuable asset for the Dolphins’ locker room.
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Risk vs Reward: What Could Go Wrong?
At 32 years old (33 in September 2025), Waller is no longer in his physical prime. Injuries have plagued him in recent seasons, and there’s always a question of rust after sitting out a year. However, on a short-term contract with minimal cap implications, the Dolphins are making a calculated gamble.
If Waller stays healthy and regains even 80% of his peak form, Miami may have pulled off one of the best deals of the offseason.
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Final Thoughts: A Second Chance for a Star Tight End
Darren Waller’s return to the NFL in 2025 is more than a transaction—it’s a story of redemption, resilience, and unfinished business. The Miami Dolphins are getting a player with All-Pro potential, and fans are eager to see if Waller can turn back the clock and make a significant impact.
As training camp begins, all eyes will be on Waller and how he fits into an already explosive offense. One thing is certain: Darren Waller is back—and the NFL is better for it.