The Miami Dolphins are adding a replacement for Jonnu Smith.
The Miami Dolphins are adding tight end Darren Waller in a surprise trade, just a day after the team sent starting tight end Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Waller retired from the New York Giants last summer, but had indicated he would look to return to the NFL, but wanted to play for the Dolphins. Now it appears that will be happening.
Waller turns 33 this year and will be entering his ninth year in the league. Besides sitting out last year in retirement, Waller also missed the 2017 season due to a suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero first reported the trade. The report, posted on X, continued to indicate Waller will sign a new incentive-heavy contract to make the trade happen.
Drafted in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, Waller has played for Baltimore, the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders, and the Giants. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2020, when he recorded 107 receptions for 1,196 yards and nine touchdowns, all career highs, with the Raiders.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicated the Dolphins are sending the Giants a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick in the trade. Miami also receives a 2027 seventh-round pick, which replaces the pick they sent to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday. The Dolphins and Steelers trade, included Smith, the draft pick, and cornerback Jalen Ramsey going to Pittsburgh, with Miami receiving safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick in return.
Schefter also stated the total value of the new contract for Waller is up to $5 million.
Waller has 350 career receptions for 4,124 yards with 20 touchdowns. He caught 52 passes for 552 yards and a score in 2023 with New York.