NFL
By: Rick O’Donnell
The Miami Dolphins have traded for a tight end. The only problem with that is, it’s none of the names linked to the team nor is it worth getting excited over. On Tuesday, the Dolphins reportedly have traded for Darren Waller, the former New York Giant TE who retired after his 2023 campaign.
While getting a veteran TE, who can block in the passing game should be exciting, it’s not. Waller is on the wrong side of 30 and since 2015 when he entered the league, he’s played in a full season just twice. While it’s not a terrible idea to find players with injury history who are looking for a fresh start, Chris Grier seems to thrive on the cheap alternatives and the Dolphins typically suffer for it late in the season. The majority of the moves he makes are for cheaper alternatives Miami can get at a bargain price. That wouldn’t be too bad, if the talent level in backup roles was there. Too many times, Miami’s season has been derailed by injuries.
Darrren Waller has had a career of “potential” but rarely has it paid off. Yes, he will benefit from the system down in Miami with WRs such as Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill taking most of the defenses attention. Unfortunately the Dolphins need touchdowns not just passing yards. In his past 3 seasons Waller has totaled 5 touchdowns. He had one season where he had 1,000+ yards and 9 TDs. He had another season where he had 1,000+ yards and only 3 TDs.
The Dolphins need scorers and Darren Waller hasn’t proven to be one. However, to be fair, how much potential can a guy live up to with the lack of direction of playing for the Raiders and the Giants? Anyone who’s played fantasy football has read about Waller’s potential. He’s got speed and agility that is unmatched so long as Mike McDaniel and company can unlock it in their offense. If not, this move is unilateral to the guys who the team currently has on their depth chart.
Miami only gave up a 2026 sixth-round pick for Waller and seventh rounder in 2027, but have a 1 year/$5 mil contract in place. If there’s an opportunity there, Miami still should be on the hunt for a younger, hungrier player who can unseat a few of their on-the-bubble players at camp or push them to live up to their potential. Sitting in idle, hoping Darren Waller is the fix might not be the best move.
