In three games with the Miami Dolphins, Darren Waller has already exceeded the number of touchdowns he scored with the New York Giants. The 33-year-old turned out to be one of the worst acquisitions in franchise history, but it didn't seem like he enjoyed New York either.
During an interview with Jordan Schultz, Waller opened up about his decision to retire after a season with the Giants. He discussed lining up in the backfield, illustrating the gross mismanagement of a player who was expected to be Big Blue's top offensive weapon prior to the selection of Malik Nabers:
Darren Waller reflects on his time with the #Giants and his eventual decision to retire: https://t.co/iE6m1gA1pw pic.twitter.com/Z3WRcUW3sg
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 13, 2025
When Daniel Jones was quarterbacking the G-Men, head coach Brian Daboll's offensive vision was the subject of serious criticism on social media. Luckily, many of those doubts about his future in New York have been answered now that Jaxson Dart has shined as QB1—but Waller's words still sting a bit.
Darren Waller just took a not-so-subtle shot at Brian Daboll
Waller was a Pro Bowler in Las Vegas in 2020, yet Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka thought the best use of his skillset was as a gadget player. He caught just 52 passes for 552 yards and a score in New York, and is on pace to shatter those numbers playing with Tua Tagovailoa in Miami.
However, Waller's frustrations don't stem from what Dabs or Kafka did: it's obvious they didn't feel comfortable running their desired scheme with Jones starting, and tried (and failed) to use the veteran as a security blanket.
It’s telling that even after a season away from the game in 2024, Waller looks rejuvenated in Miami. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is utilizing him as a downfield and red zone threat, yet he was lined up in the backfield in an H-back type role in New York.
The Georgia Tech product is a weapon that Dart would have loved, but Giants fans can't complain too much about how things turned out. The Dolphins are 1-5 and McDaniel will soon be out of a job, while Daboll and the G-Men are turning a corner, which has managed to save his job.
Theo Johnson, Waller's replacement, has officially broken out in Year 2, scoring three touchdowns this season while displaying a strong rapport with the first-round rookie. Meanwhile, Wan'Dale Robinson has flourished without Nabers in the lineup and fourth-round running back Cam Skattebo has looked like a straight-up monster.
Daboll may have misused Waller, but his revamped offense and utilization of Johnson prove he’s learned from his biggest failures–although I'm sure Joe Schoen would love to have that third-round pick back.