In a stunning twist that has stunned the football world, former Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller is reportedly considering a return to the NFL — and the ripple effects of his decision could send shockwaves through the Las Vegas Raiders organization once again. Just months after stepping away from the game and filing retirement paperwork, Waller’s camp has allegedly been in contact with teams about a potential comeback, including one franchise that once traded him away in a move that still fuels fierce debate: the Raiders.
Waller, who was traded from the Raiders to the New York Giants in March 2023, endured a disappointing and injury-riddled season in New York. After catching just 52 passes for 552 yards and one touchdown, the tight end announced in June 2024 that he was stepping away from football to focus on mental health and music — a decision that was met with both respect and curiosity.
But according to sources close to the situation, Waller has quietly resumed training in Las Vegas over the last several weeks. The 6’6″ playmaker has been spotted working with private trainers and NFL players in Nevada, fueling speculation that a comeback may be more than just a rumor. The Giants, who still hold Waller’s rights, are said to be open to releasing him outright — paving the way for Waller to choose his next destination.
Enter the Raiders.
The same franchise that gave Waller a second chance in the NFL — converting him from a struggling receiver into one of the league’s most feared tight ends — could now be the destination for his redemption story. But if that happens, it would undoubtedly reopen one of the most polarizing chapters in recent team history. The trade that sent Waller to New York was seen by many fans as a betrayal, especially given his strong connection to the community and his role in the locker room. Adding fuel to the fire was the timing of the deal, coming just weeks after Waller’s wedding — a move some insiders claim left the player “blindsided and furious.”
Now, with head coach Antonio Pierce — a known Waller supporter — at the helm, the atmosphere inside the Raiders organization may be more favorable than ever for a reunion. Pierce coached Waller during his brief stint as interim head coach and has spoken openly about building a team culture centered around resilience, humility, and toughness — traits Waller exemplified during his battle back from substance abuse and injuries.
Waller’s comeback could also fill a critical need. With the Raiders lacking a proven veteran presence at tight end and first-year players still adjusting to the league, Waller’s return could instantly transform their offensive identity. “If Darren wants to play, there are teams that will move mountains,” one NFL executive said. “And if Vegas is willing, that reunion would bring the story full circle.”
Of course, questions remain. Can Waller stay healthy? Is his heart fully back in the game? And would fans embrace him after such a dramatic exit? Still, in a league fueled by redemption arcs and second chances, Darren Waller’s comeback could become one of the most dramatic storylines of the 2025 season.
One thing is certain: if Waller puts on a Raiders jersey again, Allegiant Stadium will erupt — and the controversial trade that once fractured Raider Nation could be rewritten as a tale of unfinished business.