EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — In a surprising mid-offseason move, the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins are finalizing a trade that sends veteran tight end Darren Waller to South Florida, marking Waller’s return from retirement, league sources confirmed Tuesday.

Full details of the trade are as follows:

New York Giants receive:

Miami Dolphins receive:

Waller, 31, had announced his retirement from professional football earlier this offseason, citing a desire to focus on his health and personal life. However, sources close to the situation indicate that the opportunity to join a contending team like Miami — and work within Mike McDaniel’s dynamic offense — played a significant role in his decision to return to the field.

The conditional sixth-round pick heading to New York will depend on Waller’s playing time and performance during the 2025 season. If he reaches certain snap count or statistical thresholds, the pick could be upgraded.

For the Dolphins, this move adds another weapon to an already potent offense led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and emerging running back De’Von Achane. Waller, when healthy, has proven to be one of the NFL’s most athletic and productive tight ends, posting back-to-back 1,100+ yard seasons with the Raiders in 2019 and 2020.

The Giants, meanwhile, move on from a player they acquired just last offseason in a trade with Las Vegas. Waller appeared in just 12 games for New York in 2024, dealing with lingering hamstring issues. With the team shifting focus toward a younger core, offloading Waller’s contract — even for a modest draft return — provides flexibility moving forward.

The trade is expected to become official pending a physical and league approval.