Darren Waller is returning to the NFL this season with the Miami Dolphins, brokers Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey confirmed to ESPN on Monday.
Waller retired previous to the 2024 season, citing a medical scare and a lack of “ardour” for soccer whereas engaged on a music profession.
On the time of his retirement, Waller was a member of the New York Giants. Per the ESPN report, the Giants have agreed to commerce Waller and a conditional 2027 seventh-round draft choose to Miami for a conditional sixth-round choose in 2026.
The brokers instructed ESPN Waller has agreed to a one-year deal value as much as $5 million. As a result of he formally retired, Waller have to be reinstated from the reserve/retired listing.
Waller turns 33 in September.
The Dolphins subtracted a good finish this week within the take care of the Steelers for security Minkah Fitzpatrick. Miami parted with cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight finish Jonnu Smith, who set the Dolphins’ franchise report for receptions (88) and receiving yards (884) by a good finish final season. He additionally had eight touchdowns in 17 video games (six begins) en path to being chosen to the Professional Bowl.
Waller was a Professional Bowl choice in 2020 with the Las Vegas Raiders. He mentioned final yr that being a soccer participant opened doorways to assist tackle his previous struggles with dependancy that he may not have had in any other case.
“Eternally grateful for the sport of soccer. I would not be capable of have this dialog or to suppose issues by means of or be self-reflective if it wasn’t for a chance to avoid wasting my life and go to rehab, which the NFL provided me,” he mentioned. “In addition they gave me a chance to reestablish myself, to come back again into the world and do one thing productive. Present an instance, be a pacesetter, be a difference-maker in my craft but additionally in my day-to-day wherever I am going.”
Waller joined the Giants for the 2023 season after two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens (2015-16) and 5 with the Raiders (2018-22). In his lone season with New York, Waller performed 12 video games (11 begins) and made 52 receptions for 552 yards and one landing.
Waller’s profession highs of 107 catches, 1,196 yards and 9 touchdowns got here in 2020 with the Raiders. In 86 profession video games (63 begins), Waller has 350 receptions, 4,124 yards and 20 TDs.
–Area Degree Media
