Just one day after sending Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a blockbuster trade, the Miami Dolphins acquired tight end Darren Waller from the New York Giants. The former pro bowler for the Raiders is coming back to join Mike McDaniel’s offense after briefly retiring for one season. The Dolphins improved their cap situation by bringing in Waller who will probably cost less than half the amount of money as Pittsburgh will be paying Smith. Even though Smith put together a great campaign and deserved a bump in pay for his production, Waller clearly has been more successful statistically coming into this season.

Up until last season, the tight end position was not featured much in the receiving department under Mike McDaniel. Jonnu Smith reversed that trend by breaking the Dolphins franchise single season tight end records for receptions (88), receiving yards (884), and receiving touchdowns (8). If Waller is utilized in a similar fashion this season, there is a chance that he could put up similar or even better numbers. 

Waller accomplished back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2019 and 2020 (1,145 in 2019 and 1,196 in 2020). He recorded 107 receptions in his 2020 campaign, which set the Raiders’ franchise record by a tight end until Brock Bowers totaled 112 a season ago. No Dolphins tight end has ever gone for over 1,000 yards in a season. Waller’s standout 2020 campaign earned him enough league-wide respect that the players voted him 35 on the NFL’s top 100 list voted on by the players.

Waller was selected in the sixth round by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2015 NFL draft as a wide receiver. Ravens’ head coach John Harbaugh eventually moved him to tight end which became his permanent position. Waller’s career was unfortunately derailed after his second season when he was suspended for the 2017 season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

He remained on the Ravens’ practice squad during the 2018 season until he was signed by the Raiders. 2019 was the year when Waller’s career took flight and he established himself as one of the best tight ends in football. For the next two years, Waller led the Raiders offense in receptions and receiving yards. 

Waller’s lone season with the Giants in 2023 was a tough one as he wasn’t given the same role in the offense. He totaled 552 receiving yards caught just one touchdown pass in 12 games played.

If Waller can still be the player he once was for the Raiders, he will fill the void left by Jonnu Smith perfectly. This Miami offense is easily the best one he’s been a part of with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De’Von Achane. Waller will not be asked to do nearly as much as the Raiders and Giants were asking of him, while still bringing the skillset to make an impact on any given play.

Only time will tell if Waller is still the player he once was after a year out of the league. But this is a great situation in Miami for him to revitalize his career and once again become one of the best tight ends in pro football.

This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: How will Dolphins’ Darren Waller fit in Jonnu Smith’s former role?