Tight End Darren Waller Unretires, Joins Miami Dolphins in Surprise Move

As of October 5, 2025, tight end Darren Waller has made a remarkable comeback to the NFL after a brief retirement. Waller, who spent four years as a wide receiver at Georgia Tech before being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2015, overcame a slow start and substance abuse issues to become a star with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Waller's career reached new heights in 2019 and 2020, when he made the Pro Bowl and set franchise records for the Raiders. However, his production declined in the following years, leading to a trade to the New York Giants in 2023. Waller struggled to stay healthy and effective with the Giants, and in a surprising move, he decided to retire from the NFL at the age of 31 in 2024.

But Waller's retirement was short-lived. On July 1, 2025, the Miami Dolphins acquired Waller and a 2027 conditional draft pick from the Giants, officially unretiring the veteran tight end. Waller did not play until Week 4 as he ramped up his return, but in his Dolphins debut on "Monday Night Football," he made an immediate impact, scoring two touchdowns against the New York Jets.

Waller's comeback continued in Week 5, when he found the end zone again against the Carolina Panthers. The Dolphins are hoping Waller can recapture his past dominance and become a key weapon for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa as they push for a playoff berth in 2025.