The Miami Dolphins ended June by trading Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith to the Steelers. This move was notable because trading Smith left the Dolphins thin at the tight end position. Smith admitted it stung a little when the Dolphins informed him of the trade.
“I didn’t foresee this happening with how the season went for me individually,” Smith said. “Obviously I had aspirations of ending my career in Miami, with it basically being home for me, my children, my family. But I understand the business side of it, and it didn’t work out. I’m grateful. I’ve got no ill feelings toward Miami and nobody in the organization. I can’t sit here and lie and say it didn’t sting when the process was playing itself out.”
One day after Smith was traded, Miami made a surprising move by acquiring retired tight end Darren Waller. Waller made it clear that the only way he would return to the NFL was if he ended up with the Dolphins.
“Darren Waller retired last summer, but he recently informed the Giants he wanted to play again — only if he could do it in Miami. Now he gets his wish,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported. “He’ll sign an adjusted, incentive-laden deal to complete the trade.”
The biggest concern has been whether Waller will be ready for the season opener. Having not played in a while, returning after a year off is no easy task. However, Waller’s agent Drew Rosenhaus left no doubt about his client’s Week 1 availability.
“Drew Rosenhaus says his client Darren Waller will be ready for Week 1. The TE is on the PUP list working back into ‘football shape’ after taking a year off,” Miami sportscaster Josh Moser wrote.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
This is great news for the Dolphins, as it appears Waller is doing everything possible to get back on the field. Eventually, he will begin practicing with the team. With Tua Tagovailoa manning the quarterback position, Waller could see a solid number of targets in games. After a year off, Waller looks poised to play in Week 1.
