Darren Waller
NFL tight end. Currently unrestricted free agent.
Quick Facts
- Position: TE
- Age: 33
- Status: Free agent (2026 offseason)
- Career: Eagles (2013-2021), Cardinals (2021-2023), Dolphins (2025, 9 games)
2026 Outlook
Veteran TE coming off a comeback 2025 season with Miami: 6 receiving TDs in just 9 games after coming out of retirement. Ranked 6th-best available free agent by NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal as of June 2026, despite being 33 and dealing with injury inconsistency since 2021. Dolphins opted not to re-sign him, instead preferring Greg Dulcich and younger draft picks Will Kacmarek and Seydou Traore. Will likely land with a contender as a third/fourth option, given his age and boom/bust profile (per Former Dolphins Pro Bowl Player Remains an NFL Free Agent).
Role / Depth Chart
Likely a depth piece or rotational TE for a win-now contender. Contenders with TE concerns (Seahawks, Rams, Bills, Chiefs listed as evaluating) are thin at the position but hesitant to invest long-term in a 33-year-old. Short-term mismatch value only.
Recent News
- 2026-06-27 — Ranked 6th-best available free agent; Dolphins declining to retain despite strong 2025 finish (Former Dolphins Pro Bowl Player Remains an NFL Free Agent)
Open Questions
- Will any contender use Waller as a stop-gap third option, or does his lack of a long-term deal signal teams view him as a trade/waiver wire target only?