Dolphins deliver long-awaited news to Tua Tagovailoa about key offensive weapon

The Miami Dolphins need Tua Tagovailoa to succeed in the 2025 NFL season. Fortunately, the club has delivered crucial news to the quarterback about a key offensive weapon he is expected to rely on this year.

On Wednesday, the Dolphins activated Darren Waller from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. On Monday, HC Mike McDaniel said he expected the tight end to start practicing this week, and activating him allows the team to use him in training sessions.

Waller joined the Dolphins this offseason, but there is still uncertainty about his current form. He had recently retired from football, but when Miami offered him a return to the NFL, the tight end decided to continue his career for at least one more year.

Darren Waller could be Tua Tagovailoa’s key weapon, but his status raises concerns

While the Dolphins have activated Darren Waller from the PUP list, his status remains uncertain. Waller announced his retirement last June but made a comeback when Miami offered him a one-year deal worth up to $5 million.

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The tight end has had underwhelming seasons with the Giants in recent years, mostly due to injuries that limited his playing time. This was a key factor in his initial decision to retire, but Waller apparently believes he still has what it takes to play at least one more season.

Waller’s arrival comes with high expectations. The tight end position has been a challenge for the Dolphins in recent seasons, and the departure of Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers left a significant gap to fill.

Last year, the Dolphins relied on Jonnu Smith, Jack Stoll, Durham Smythe, and Julian Hill at the tight end position. However, only Hill remains on the roster, which made bringing in a seasoned player like Waller key to helping Tua Tagovailoa succeed.

Darren Waller #83 of the Miami Dolphins speaks to the media during Miami Dolphins Training Camp at Baptist Health Training Complex on July 22, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

If Waller cannot stay healthy during the season, Hill is listed as the team’s TE2. Behind him, veterans Pharaoh Brown and Tanner Conner are Miami’s other options at the position.

Why did the Dolphins have to trade for Darren Waller if he was already retired?

Waller had attempted to retire from football twice, after the 2023 and 2024 seasons. However, he was still under contract with the Giants, so any team interested in him had to acquire him via trade.

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The Dolphins acquired Waller from the Giants for a conditional 2026 sixth-round draft pick, and they also received a 2027 seventh-round pick. The veteran arrives with high expectations of taking Tua Tagovailoa’s game to a whole new level.