We last saw Darren Waller in 2023 with the Giants, and he decided to retire after the season. After missing the entire 2024 season, Waller decided to come out of retirement and was traded to the Miami Dolphins this offseason. The former Raiders and Giants TE signed a one-year deal with Miami worth up to $5 million.
Despite only playing in 12 games for the Giants in 2023, Waller finished as TE21 in DraftKings fantasy scoring. His 9.4 FPTS per game was 14th best among tight ends. He finished the season with 52 catches, 552 receiving yards and a touchdown. It’s hard to tell how he will perform after missing a full season, but he’s still only 32 years old. If Waller has kept himself in good physical shape, I don’t see why he couldn’t hit the ground running in 2025.
After the departure of Jonnu Smith in Miami, Waller has the clear track to the starting job. Smith was one of the best tight ends in football a season ago, so Waller can thrive in this offense if he performs to the level he is capable of. The biggest things for him will be knocking the rust off, but also staying available. He hasn’t played 16 games in a season since 2020, averaging 10.6 games per year in the three seasons since. If Waller can stay out there, this offense could be the perfect fit. Jonnu Smith received 111 targets a season ago, which was the fourth most among tight ends.
If you are taking Waller in fantasy football, it’s definitely a boom or bust pick. I think a year away from the game to heal and this Dolphins offense makes Waller a candidate for one of the best bounce back stories in fantasy football this season.
