Looks like the Miami Dolphins plan to ease in Darren Waller slowly.
The recently unretired tight end will begin the 2025 training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list alongside offensive lineman Liam Eichenburg, the team announced late Tuesday afternoon. Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu was also placed on the non-football injury list.
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Waller last suited up for the New York Giants in 2023.
An early July trade brought the one-time Pro Bowler to the Dolphins. In his first appearance donning the aqua and orange, Waller mentioned the presence of offensive coordinator Frank Smith played a key role in the decision to return to the NFL. Smith was Waller’s tight end coach during his back-to-back breakout years in 2019 and 2020.
“Frank is my guy, man,” Waller said Tuesday, adding that “some of my best football memories overall” came during his time with Smith. “When I got claimed off the Ravens practice squad in 2018, I got to the Raiders and he was my tight ends coach. He me at the door and one of the first things he was interested in was what do I need as a man in my newfound sobriety.”
That interaction “struck” Waller and the two began to build a relationship beyond X’s and O’s — although that part certainly wasn’t lacking. The eight-year veteran called the ability to “reconnect” with Smith an “amazing” opportunity.
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“Just his knowledge of the game,” Waller continued. “The culture that he created not only in our room but just with how he interacted with players I thought was rare in coaches I had seen to that point. Some of the best years in my career were with him in the room and just , so to be able to reconnect with him is amazing.”
In a flurry of other moves, the Dolphins waived quarterback Brett Gabbert and signed offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill.
A 66 game starter with the San Francisco 49ers and Tennessee Titans, Brunskill brings experience and versatility to an offensive line room in need of depth. The six-year veteran registered the majority of his snaps at right guard yet has suited up at every position along the line.