Since being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2015, Darren Waller has had quite an interesting career arc. A surprise retirement in 2024 halted his career. Let’s revisit why Waller retired from the league and then signed a new deal with the Miami Dolphins in 2025.
Why Did Darren Waller Retire?
The Ravens initially drafted Waller in the sixth round with the 204th overall pick. He didn’t find much footing in Baltimore, catching 12 passes for 103 yards and two touchdowns. In 2017, Waller was suspended for violating the league’s substance abuse policy and missed the entire season.
He finally found his footing with the Raiders before getting traded to the New York Giants in 2023. He suffered a hamstring injury in Week 8 and was placed on injured reserve shortly after. With the injury scare and a fading passion for the game, Waller announced his retirement on June 9, 2024.
He unretired a little over a year later on July 1, 2025, by signing a contract with the Dolphins as they traded a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Giants for Waller and a 2027 seventh-round pick. He made his debut for Miami in Week 4 on Monday Night Football, where he scored his first touchdown with the team.
TOUCHDOWN DARREN WALLER!
NYJvsMIA on ESPN
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Miami needed another weapon at tight end after they were unable to agree to a contract extension with Jonnu Smith, who was coming off a career year. They traded him, along with cornerback Jalen Ramsey, and a 2027 seventh-round pick, to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
The Dolphins are hoping Waller is able to replicate his production from his days with the Raiders. In 2020, Waller played in 16 games and recorded career highs in receptions (107), yards (1,196), and touchdowns (nine). However, he suffered a series of injuries in the seasons after that, which helped to push him towards his retirement with the Giants in 2024.
Just before his retirement, Waller and his ex-wife, Las Vegas Aces point guard Kelsey Plum, filed for divorce after a year of marriage. He would go on to release a rap song about Plum during his retirement, titled “Who Knew,” which was met with mixed to negative reviews.
It’s promising to see Waller snag a touchdown in his first outing with Miami. After three weeks, the Dolphins are still winless as the offense struggles to maintain consistency. Another solid target for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa could help the offense sustain drives, and Waller’s early involvement looks encouraging.
