The Darren Waller experiment was a disaster for the New York Giants. Following back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2019 and 2020 that earned him a Pro Bowl nod, Waller struggled to stay healthy in 2021 and 2022 before being sent to New York to revive his career.
Related: Darren Waller gamble reeks of regret as Dolphins turn to Giants’ preseason star
In 12 games as a Giant in 2023, the 32-year-old caught 52 passes for 552 yards and just one touchdown. To make matters even worse, he retired after the 2023 season in order to pursue an unsuccessful rap career.
And when Waller un-retired earlier this summer, the Giants sent him to Miami for a 2026 conditional sixth-round pick. And when ESPN’s Seth Walder provided grades for the trade, he believed the deal favored the Dolphins.
Darren Waller is not the slam-dunk acquisition Dolphins fans think
The sports analytics writer gave New York a “B” for a deal, while believing it was a “B+” trade for the Fins—who traded Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh one day prior.
“Waller is 32 and has been out of the game for a year,” Walder wrote. “The last time he recorded at least 700 receiving yards in a season was in 2020 with the Raiders. But he could easily be the best receiving tight end the Dolphins have, and that's worth something.”
He also mentioned the low compensation Miami parted with to land a player who was previously one of the best receiving tight ends in football. For context, two offseasons ago, the Giants gave up the third-round pick they got for Kadarius Toney to acquire Waller in the first place.
But he spent the majority of training camp on the sidelines, and it looks like New York may have got the last laugh.
The Dolphins’ offense already has De’Von Achane, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle so it’s unlikely that Waller sees a significant target share. It’s a low-risk move for Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel—both of whom are fighting to save their jobs in 2025.
Now he’s been replaced by Theo Johnson and Thomas Fidone, two younger, more explosive options. The Giants are prioritizing youth and stability by trading a player who they never envisioned taking another snap in blue and white. So the fact they got anything at all in return is a minor victory for Joe Schoen.
Yes, Waller could provide a short-term boost, but relying on a 32-year-old tight end who has battled injuries, retired, and taken a year off from football is inherently risky. Both sides are taking different types of risks, but only time will tell if Waller can justify his new role, or if the Dolphins just overpaid for a player clearly past his peak.