In what was a disappointing season for the Miami Dolphins, Darren Waller was a silver lining. The tight end returned to the NFL after announcing his retirement in 2024 and was a productive player in limited game time. Waller is now a free agent, and he could become a difference maker for a contending team.
Darren Waller Expected to Land Strong Free Agent Contract After Comeback Season
Waller, a surprising addition to the Dolphins, played in just nine games, starting three. However, he had interesting numbers, with 24 receptions, 283 yards, and six touchdowns in limited game time. Even though he spent a year away from the game, Waller looked like he didn’t miss a beat.
He’s now a free agent, and based on his 2025 production, he’ll attract interest from plenty of contenders. In an interview during the weekend, agent Drew Rosenhaus highlighted that he hasn’t ruled out a return to Miami, but Waller will be coveted on the market.
“Certainly haven’t ruled anything out. He will make it to free agency. I do anticipate that Darren will be a coveted player and one of the most sought-after tight ends in free agency. Darren had a rejuvenated season with the Dolphins, he was really productive, not really serious injuries, he finished the season 100% healthy, and he’s looking to build on the year he had last year, and really project to having an even bigger year.”
Waller, who is 33, could be a big addition for a contender. Tight ends can play the game for a longer period, and his body has been exposed to fewer hits, with just 29 games in the past four seasons. His production in a struggling Dolphins team caught attention in 2025.
#NFLFreeAgency TE talk with Drew Rosenhaus. Says the door is not closed on Darren Waller returning to the Dolphins. He also expects a strong market for former Dolphins Pro Bowl TE Jonnu Smith. #PhinsUp #NFLNews pic.twitter.com/XbnXKagR47
— Josh Moser (@TheMozKnowz) March 9, 2026
Waller wasn’t qualified for our PFSN TE Impact Metric due to the number of snaps he played in 2025. However, he was ranked inside the top 10 three times in his career, including back-to-back seasons ranked as the No. 2 tight end in the league.
Only seven tight ends scored more touchdowns than Waller in 2025, even though he played in just nine games.
He would be a great addition to a contender who needs to improve the tight end group, and at this point in his career, signing with a rebuilding team feels unlikely. For the right money, Waller could turn into one of the best additions in free agency.
