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Dolphins Make Stunning Tight End Decision After Trading Jonnu Smith

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 12:30 PM ET

After the Miami Dolphins traded away Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team began its search for a new starting tight end. With plenty of options around the NFL, the Dolphins pulled off a stunning move a day after trading Smith.

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Dolphins are acquiring New York Giants tight end Darren Waller. The 33-year-old previously retired to pursue a music career, but is un-retiring to play for the Dolphins and Mike McDaniel.

Surprise! The #Dolphins are finalizing a trade with the #Giants for former Pro Bowl TE Darren Waller, who is coming out of retirement to play in Miami, per sources.

A fascinating twist for Waller, who retired last summer, and a new weapon for a team that just traded Jonnu Smith. pic.twitter.com/MDO2XnHClb
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 1, 2025

The move comes as a complete surprise, as Waller hasn't suited up in the NFL since 2023. In that season, Waller played 12 games and had 552 receiving yards on 74 targets.

His best season came in 2020 when he was a Pro-Bowler, and he had 1,196 receiving yards and nine touchdowns with the Las Vegas Raiders. He was a productive tight end in his prime, but struggled in the later stages of his career.

But now, a year after retiring, he is on his way to Miami. Despite retiring a year ago, Waller was still a part of the Giants roster and had to be traded from New York to Miami.

According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Dolphins are sending a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick to the Giants for Waller and a 2027 seventh-round pick.

Trade: Dolphins are trading a conditional 2026 sixth to the New York Giants for a 2027 seventh-round pick and Darren Waller.

Waller is coming out of retirement after agreeing to a one-year deal with the Dolphins worth up to $5 million, per Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 1, 2025

Waller is also signing a one-year deal worth $5 million with the team to be their new starting tight end for the 2025 season. The Dolphins found their new tight end, in a move that no one expected.

Waller is joining the Dolphins roster and becoming their new starting tight end after trading away Smith. He's set to play in the NFL for the first time since 2023, and will be in his ninth season when he suits up for Miami.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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