The Miami Dolphins‘ Jalen Ramsey trade took the headlines, but an almost equally consequential move also sent their starting tight end, Jonnu Smith, to the Pittsburgh Steelers, as the team received back draft compensation and All-Pro safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Smith had an outstanding year in 2024, racking up 884 yards and 8 touchdowns, but the Dolphins decided to move off him, preferring instead to trade for the previously-retired ex-Pro Bowler Darren Waller, who in his prime was one of the more dangerous receiving tight ends in football.
Waller retired due to injury-related problems back in 2024, and although was supposedly healthy and working his way back into playing shape come the start of the season, he did not play a snap in week one.
And things may be set to go from bad to worse for the Dolphins regarding their TE1: not only was head coach, Mike McDaniel, hesitant about Waller’s immediate playing status in week two, he implied that it is quite possible that the former Raider and Giant never ends up suiting up for the organization, speaking to reporters on Wednesday.
Will Darren Waller Ever Play For The Miami Dolphins?
Waller had been suffering from a hip strain, prior to last week – something that was then worsened a few days before the season opener.
“While trying to prevent a setback, he had a setback before practice,” McDaniel said last Friday, prior to the 33-8 defeat against the Indianapolis Colts, “What does that mean? It means he’s being challenged, the most eager player to play has another challenge. I know he’s up for it, but I don’t think he’s going to play this week, which wasn’t planned.”
Now, the fourth-year head coach’s tune has changed radically, and Waller’s entire 2025 season could end up being done before it even got off the ground.
At this point, there is not enough information to say for certain, but given that McDaniel felt the need to announce it publicly, it certainly is not a good sign.
What Does The Dolphins’ Tight End Room Look Like Without Waller?
Waller is essentially the team’s saving grace at the position. And that’s on the assumption that he returns to, if not his best years, then at least to a production-quality level that resembles a clear starter in the league.
2023 undrafted free agent, Julian Hill, Waller’s backup, is predominantly a blocking tight end, having started 11 games in 2024, but only registered 100 receiving yards.
Meanwhile, Tanner Conner, the third stringer, has just 36 total career yards to date, going into his fourth season in pro football.
So without Waller, the team will almost certainly look to make a move for a tight end, whether it be a free agent or trade acquisition. And even then, things are looking pretty bare at the position in Miami.
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