The Miami Dolphins are taking a chance on Darren Waller, signing the veteran tight end this offseason after spending the 2024 season in retirement.
Waller, who last played for the New York Giants in 2023, is now working to get back into football shape as he aims to make an impact in Miami. The 32-year-old had his best years with the Las Vegas Raiders, especially in 2019 and 2020, when he posted back-to-back 1,000-plus receiving yard seasons.
Miami will look to get the slightest version of that tight end, but with injuries and being gone from the game for a season, it’s hard to envision that happening. Moreover, one NFL analyst believes this signing will be a forgettable one.
Will Darren Waller find his past form with the Dolphins?
NFL analyst Mark Schlereth appeared on 104.3 WQAM’s Hoch, Crowder & Solana Show and didn’t hold back on his prediction for the season regarding Waller.
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“Well, that dude retired four years ago and didn’t tell anybody,” Schlereth said. “And then he officially retired three years later. He was retired while he was still playing. So you tell me, I’m 100 percent with you. He had a year where he was exceptional, and then it was like, ‘I’m going to shutter on down. I’ve done my service.’ And the fact that he hasn’t played or hasn’t taken a snap yet, based on what you’re telling me, that does not bode well.
“There was a time where I thought he was pretty complete, and I thought, ‘Man, this kid’s going to be great.’ And then it was just like he was done playing. He didn’t want to play anymore. And so there are all those guys—those guys that get paid, and then they shut it down and are done playing. And I’d be surprised if Darren Waller is actually productive this year.”
Miami will be looking to replace the production left by Jonnu Smith. Still, if they can’t get anything out of Waller this season, the Dolphins will have to go back to the drawing board with the tight end position to see if they either roll with what they have or make an in-season trade.
