The Miami Dolphins ended their season with a 38-10 loss to the New England Patriots. Miami was swept by the Patriots for the first time since 2016. Offensively, they struggled against New England as they failed to score in the second half. Rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers went 16-for-23 with 137 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
The Dolphins were without a majority of their Week 1 starters on offense for their regular season finale. All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill had been out since Week 4, when he dislocated his knee. Additionally, Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane both missed Miami’s Week 18 matchup, as they suffered injuries in the Dolphins’ game against the Buccaneers.
Dolphins Tight End Considering Retirement
One member of the Dolphins who was also unavailable was tight end Darren Waller. He was unable to suit up as he was placed on injured reserve with a groin injury prior to Week 18. The former Pro Bowl tight end tied among Dolphins players for receiving touchdowns, as he had six. He achieved this feat despite appearing in only nine games for the Dolphins this season.
Waller was unavailable for the Dolphins in Week 1 after injuring his hip prior to the season. The injury forced his Dolphins debut to be delayed until Week 4, where he scored a pair of touchdowns in Miami’s first win of the season. Unfortunately, he was then placed on injured reserve after a pectoral injury he suffered against the Browns in Week 7. Finally, he was placed on injured reserve a second time with the previously mentioned groin injury.
Now, following the season, Waller spoke with the media about his status following the season. He said, “He’ll take the next few weeks to decide whether he wants to continue playing.” He also added that if he does decide to play, “he’d like to do so in Miami.” Waller previously retired after the 2023 season and chose to pursue a career in music, sitting out the 2024 NFL season.
After the season, Waller took to social media and posted a picture of himself in a Dolphins uniform with the caption “Grateful to the @miamidolphins for giving me an opportunity to play with such a fun and resilient group of guys! #FinsUp”
Miami Dolphins Tight Ends
Throughout the offseason, Miami’s need for a tight end loomed after Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith requested a trade after not getting an extension with the team. Prior to the draft, Miami was mocked to select Tyler Warren, but the team opted to go with Kenneth Grant and did not select a tight end in the draft. Jonnu Smith was then traded alongside Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh, in exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Following the Jonnu Smith trade, the Dolphins brought Waller out of retirement and traded a sixth-round pick to the Giants for his rights. Once Waller got hurt prior to Week 1, the team signed Greg Dulcich in the week leading up to the season. Dulcich finished the year as Miami’s receiving yards leader among tight ends. Both Dulcich and Waller are set to be free agents.
Dolphins Pro Bowl Player Considering Retirement