Giants being patient with veteran tight end as they await retirement decision

 

 

New York Giants tight end Darren Waller has spent the majority of the offseason mulling the possibility of retirement. The Giants are not rushing the 31-year-old to pick a side, as head coach Brian Daboll says the team will be giving Waller as much time as he needs to make the most important decision of his life.

 

 

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NEW YORK GIANTS

Giants being patient with veteran tight end as they await retirement decision

 

Justin Backer

May 24, 2024

New York Giants tight end Darren Waller (12) makes a catch in front of Philadelphia Eagles safety Tristin McCollum (36) during the second half at MetLife Stadium

Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

New York Giants tight end Darren Waller has spent the majority of the offseason mulling the possibility of retirement. The Giants are not rushing the 31-year-old to pick a side, as head coach Brian Daboll says the team will be giving Waller as much time as he needs to make the most important decision of his life.

 

Darren Waller has battled injuries and a dip in production in recent years

New York Giants tight end Darren Waller (12) runs with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at MetLife Stadium

Sep 10, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants tight end Darren Waller (12) runs with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Waller was acquired by the Giants prior to the 2023 season. The former Raiders standout was expected to be a big boost to a paltry Giants offense. Unfortunately, that vision never came to light, Waller played just 12 games in his first season with the Giants, racking up just 552 receiving yards and managing only one touchdown.

 

Injuries have taken over the latter part of Waller’s career. Appearing in just 32 of 51 possible games, and his highest yardage in a season since 2020 is just 665 receiving yards set in 2021. The reality of Waller’s body suffering the effects of football wear and tear has factored into his retirement decision.