The Dolphins were down to limited options at tight end after dealing Smith, whose name was popular in trade rumors throughout the offseason. Whether Waller can effectively fill the void after a year away from the field is uncertain, but he has a clear path to playing time in Miami.

The Miami Dolphins are acquiring Darren Waller from the New York Giants, about a year after the veteran tight end announced his retirement from the NFL

Darren Waller is returning to football. The tight end will come out of retirement to play for the Miami Dolphins, who acquired him from the New York Giants, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday. Waller, 32, last played in 2023 with New York, when he had 52 receptions for 552 yards and one touchdown.