The Miami Dolphins made their biggest offseason move this summer when they moved Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick.
As part of that deal, a slightly forgotten tenet encompasses the fact that the team also sent tight end, Jonnu Smith to the Midwest in exchange for a fifth round pick, sending back a seventh rounder in return.
That left a large hole on offense at the tight end position, with long-time veteran, Pharoah Brown and 2023 UDFA, Julian Hill, the team’s only other realistic options at the position.
This lead to general manager, Chris Grier and head coach, Mike McDaniel, making a trade for formerly retired New York Giants tight end, Darren Waller for the price of a sixth round pick in 2026 – getting a seventh back in 2027.
And whilst excitement to see Waller – who has shone at points during his career in the NFL – will be high amongst Dolphins fans, who is still just 32 years of age, McDaniel revealed that he will not return to practice this week, per David Furones.
This is not the week for Darren Waller to return to practice, Mike McDaniel said.
He’s not throwing the big pass-catching TE into the fire of joint practices out of retirement.
â David Furones (@DavidFurones_) August 12, 2025
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Why Is Waller Not Practicing With The Team?
Waller has been retired since last summer, when he initially declared the end to his playing career. Since coming back to the sport last month, Waller has had to work his way back to full fitness.
He also had been dealing with a hamstring injury back in late 2023, for which he was put on injured reserve – although it is likely that this medical issue has now been resolved, as we are almost at the start of the 2025 regular season.
McDaniel has faced injuries to multiple cornerbacks, and already has some tension in the offensive locker room – so the last thing that he will want is to lose another projected starter.
What Can Dolphins Fans Expect From Waller This Season?
Waller’s best season earned him a Pro Bowl nod, along with successive 1,100 yard seasons in 2019 and 2020. However, he has not managed to get back to that level of production for the past half decade, although he did manage over 550 yards in two of his past three seasons, prior to retiring ahead of 2024.
No one is really expecting the former Raider and Giant to get back to his all-time peak, but if he can generate production similar to his subsequent years in the 500-600 yard range, the Dolphins will not be complaining.
The biggest concern may be injury – another reason why McDaniel may be being extra cautious in not bringing the Georgia Tech alum back before his body is fully ready – with Waller having not played a full season in his career outside of his two 1,100 yard receiving years.
A fully healthy Waller put into an offense schemed by McDaniel, and operated efficiently by Tua Tagovailoa, could be a serious asset to Miami in 2025.
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