NFL analyst speculates reason for Darren Waller's comeback with Dolphins 2 years after TE's retirement: "History with OC Frank Smith sold him"

Darren Waller shocked the NFL world with news of his return to pro play. The Pro Bowl tight end retired, having played for the New York Giants during the 2023 season. Waller spent last year focusing on making music. However, on Tuesday, he announced his decision to return to the field at the professional level.

This allowed the Giants to trade him to the Miami Dolphins for a 2026 sixth-round pick. Waller agreed to play for Mike McDaniel's team on a one-year deal worth up to $5 million. Amid questions about Waller's decision to unretire, NFL analyst Omar Kelly shared his perspective on why the TE decided to join the Dolphins.

In an article for the 'Miami Herald', Kelly pointed out Waller's relationship with the team's offensive coordinator, Frank Smith. He coached the tight end during his stint with the Las Vegas Raiders from 2018 to 2022. Smith had served as the team's TE coach from 2018 to 2020 before joining the Chargers in 2021.

"...It's likely that Waller's history with offensive coordinator Frank Smith, who coached him for his three breakout seasons in Las Vegas, is what sold him on joining the Dolphins," Kelly wrote.

Darren Waller's decision to join the Dolphins gives Mike McDaniel more options on the depth chart. He becomes a part of a TE room with players like Julian Hill, Pharaoh Brown and Tanner Conner.

Darren Waller began his NFL journey with the Ravens in 2015. During his eight-season stint in the league, he tallied a total of 4,124 yards and 20 TDs receiving.

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Insider finds Dolphins trading for Darren Waller "hilarious"

Before Darren Waller, the Dolphins made a big trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. They parted ways with CB Jalen Ramsey and TE Jonnu Smith in exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-rounder. Waller is potentially being brought in to fill the void left by Smith's departure.

Cowboys insider Marcus Mosher touched on this decision taken by Mike McDaniel and his team. On X, he shared Tom Pelissero's post talking about the trade while sharing his feelings about this move.

"Trading for a retired player in hilarious. But also awesome," Mosher wrote in the post.

The Dolphins had a disappointing campaign last season, finishing with an 8-9 record and failing to make it to the playoffs. They begin their 2025 campaign with a showdown against the Colts in September.