In a shocking turn of events, the Miami Dolphins have finalized a trade with the New York Giants to acquire former Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller, who is reportedly coming out of retirement to rejoin the NFL.
This unexpected move sends ripples through the league, particularly impacting the Las Vegas Raiders and sparking renewed speculation around Michael Mayer’s future.
Waller, who retired last summer, is set to earn up to $5 million in incentives on a one-year deal, alongside a conditional seventh-round pick heading to Miami in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. While the Dolphins bolster their tight end room with Waller, questions loom over his health and ability to contribute after missing significant time due to injuries in recent seasons.
For Raiders fans, this trade raises eyebrows about Mayer, the promising tight end who has been the subject of trade rumors. Despite Waller’s arrival in Miami, many analysts believe Mayer remains a viable target for the Dolphins, as their tight end depth is still considered one of the weakest in the league. With Waller’s injury history and age—turning 33 in September—his spot on the Dolphins’ roster is far from guaranteed.
Mitchell Renz, host of the Raiders Report, expressed skepticism about Waller’s impact, stating that Mayer’s potential could still attract interest from Miami. The Dolphins’ recent acquisition of Waller does not eliminate the possibility of pursuing Mayer, especially given the different skill sets each player offers.
As the NFL landscape shifts with this trade, all eyes are on the Raiders and their tight end situation. Will they hold onto Mayer, or will a deal materialize? The urgency of the situation intensifies as the season approaches, leaving fans and analysts alike eagerly awaiting the next move in this unfolding drama.
Contributors: Darren Waller, Michael Mayer