Well, no one saw this coming in the offseason. Just weeks before training camp kicks off, Giants GM Joe Schoen surprises everyone with a Tuesday morning bombshell. And no, it’s not about Kayvon Thibodeaux or any of the names floating in rumors—this move came completely out of nowhere.
Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller is ending his retirement, and the Giants are trading him to the Miami Dolphins. Per Adam Schefter, New York will receive a 2026 sixth-round pick and a conditional 2027 seventh-rounder in return. The trade makes it clear: the Giants are moving on.
Waller, now 33, was acquired two offseasons ago in a trade that sent the third-round pick (originally from Kansas City in the Kadarius Toney deal) to the Raiders. Las Vegas used that pick to take speedy wideout Tre Tucker, who’s carved out a solid NFL role.
The plan was for Waller to become Daniel Jones’ go-to option in the passing game. But that never quite materialized.
Injuries have taken a toll on what once looked like a standout career. Over the last three seasons, Waller has missed 19 games—including five with the Giants. In his lone season in New York, he logged 52 catches for 552 yards and a single touchdown across 12 games.
After the season, Waller stepped away from football, citing mental health and pivoting toward a music career. But that retirement didn’t last long—just a year later, he’s back and heading to South Beach.
This marks the second straight day the Dolphins made a move. Yesterday, they pulled off a blockbuster sending Jonnu Smith and Jalen Ramsey to the Steelers. With Smith gone, Waller fills the void at tight end.
He now joins an explosive Miami offense alongside Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De’Von Achane. Unlike in New York, Waller won’t have to shoulder the offensive burden.
As for the Giants?
They’re clearly focused on developing their young receivers, especially rising star Malik Nabers, who had a record-setting rookie year. This move isn’t a loss—it’s a strategic reset. Waller didn’t pan out, but they recouped draft capital for someone who hasn’t played since 2023. That’s smart business.
Now, it’s Theo Johnson’s chance to take over the tight end spot and prove his worth.
Since the Giants aren’t aiming to contend this year, the trade works out for both sides.
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