In case you missed it, former New York Giants’ tight end Darren Waller announced he’s coming out of retirement to play for the Miami Dolphins next season. That’s great, but the NFL can do better.
Here are five players we want back in 2025.
OT Terron Armstead
Armstead was a third-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 2013 and spent nine years with the team before joining Miami in 2022. He earned five Pro Bowl nominations along the way. His last came in 2023, despite missing seven games, which speaks to the talent he possessed.
After signing a five-year, $75M contract with the team in 2022, most thought the three-time team captain would return in 2025. Instead, he walked away, leaving 2024 second-round pick Patrick Paul to take his place.
DT Aaron Donald
After 10 seasons with the Rams, Donald announced his retirement from the NFL following an All-Pro 2023 season in which he had 53 tackles and eight sacks. In 10 years with the team, Donald had 542 tackles, 111 sacks and forced 24 fumbles. He earned a Super Bowl ring in 2022 and was named AP Defensive Player of the Year three times.
The 34-year-old game-wrecker would still look great in a Rams uniform, but said he was “leaving at peace” and on his terms during an interview with his wife Erica last offseason. A trip to the NFL Hall of Fame in 2029 will have to do.
TE Rob Gronkowski
Why not? The 36-year-old tight end finished his career with 802 yards and six scores in 12 games as a Buccaneer in 2021. Gronk retired in 2019, only to return and help lead Tampa Bay to a Super Bowl LV victory alongside quarterback Tom Brady. Maybe he can do it again.
