We are more than a week into the NFL’s free agency ahead of the 2026 season, and many of the top names available have found their new homes. However, many talented free agents are still available. Some are looking for their first big contract, others for a place to revitalize their careers, and others for a place to contribute as they get to the end of their careers.
Why Tight End Darren Waller Is Still Available in NFL Free Agency
Tight end Darren Waller could fit into a couple of those categories as he remains unsigned in free agency after spending the 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins. Waller is a nine-year NFL veteran who remains unsigned in 2026.
There were four tight ends signed in the initial wave of contracts when the new NFL league year began last week, including Travis Kelce, Isaiah Likely, Dallas Goedert, and Chigoziem Okonkwo.
Kelce and Goedert re-signed with the Chiefs and Eagles, respectively. Likely inked a three-year, $40 million deal with the New York Giants (following coach John Harbaugh), and Okonkwo landed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Washington Commanders.
In addition, the Atlanta Falcons placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on Kyle Pitts, and no one is expected to give him an offer past that. So, that leaves David Njoku, Waller, Jonnu Smith, Zach Ertz, and Will Dissly as the most notable remaining free agents at the position.
In terms of talent and ability, Waller would probably be up near the top alongside Njoku. However, his age will be his biggest hurdle. Waller spent his first four years in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens before he played five seasons with the Oakland and then Las Vegas Raiders.
Waller grew into one of the best tight ends in the NFL with the Raiders, putting together back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons (2019–20) and making his only Pro Bowl. However, he dealt with injuries after that, missed 19 games across the next three years (2021–23), and announced his retirement in 2024.
Waller spent a year away from the game before coming out of retirement in 2025 to sign a one-year, $2 million deal with the Dolphins. He played in nine games (three starts) last season, collecting 24 receptions for 283 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Waller wasn’t a game-changer by any stretch of the imagination, but he was a serious red-zone threat, something that can earn you a contract as a tight end in the NFL.
However, the veteran will turn 34 years old this coming season, and he’ll be older than the rest of the available guys at his position, with the exception of Zach Ertz, who continues to show he still has it.
Waller is the type of free agent who likely won’t sign anytime soon.
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Teams will probably wait until after the draft to see what their rosters look like and even wait until training camp is going and possibly into preseason to see if they need a last-minute addition at the position.
While a reunion with the Dolphins is unlikely for Waller, he could find himself in Los Angeles with the Chargers, where former head coach Mike McDaniel is the new offensive coordinator. The Chargers had rookie Oronde Gadsden step in and excel at the position last year, but a veteran presence alongside the youngster wouldn’t hurt.
