The New York Giants just capitalized on an opportunity to execute a trade in which they lose nothing.
They're sending tight end Darren Waller to the Miami Dolphins, per multiple reports. Waller is coming out of retirement and agreeing to a one-year deal with his new team. The Giants are also sending a 2027 seventh-round pick to Miami and in return getting a conditional 2026 sixth-rounder.
The news comes as a massive surprise considering the Giants tight end retired in June, 2024.
For New York, it's as close as you can get to a perfect trade. Waller was never going to return to the Giants. In essence, the franchise is losing nothing while adding a 2026 draft pick, albeit a late one that's likely going to be conditioned to Waller's playing time.
Is it the most impactful trade ever? Absolutely not. But they're gaining something out of it while losing nothing.
Why did the Dolphins trade for former Giants TE Darren Waller?
The Giants took advantage of a rare opportunity. After a blockbuster trade in which the Dolphins sent TE Jonnu Smith along with CB Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers while getting S Minkah Fitzpatrick in return, Miami was left in need for tight end help.
According to reports, the Dolphins immediately went shopping for tight end help. Naturally, it's difficult to find teams willing to part ways with starting-caliber players this time of the year though. Thinking outside the box brought them to the Giants, who retained the rights for Waller following his retirement as they never released him.
Waller arrived to New York in 2023 after through a trade—in which the Giants paid a compensatory third-round pick—and caught 52 passes for 552 receiving yards in 12 games played. Though the pairing didn't work out for New York, at least now they get something out of it.
