New York Giants tight end Darren Waller is expected to make a decision about his future by the start of next week’s minicamp, according to a report by ESPN’s Jordan Raanan and Adam Schefter on Monday.
As it stands, some within the organization told ESPN that they anticipate that he will retire.
The 31-year-old played just one season with the Giants after being acquired from the Las Vegas Raiders last March. In 12 games, he posted 52 receptions for 552 yards and a touchdown while battling hamstring issues that have lingered across multiple seasons.
Waller has also prioritized his mental health in recent years after battling substance abuse issues. Just last month, he filed for divorce with Las Vegas Aces superstar Kelsey Plum after they were married for a year.
Following the completion of a 6-11 2023 season, Waller alerted the Giants that he would be mulling over his future and considering retirement. As a precaution, New York drafted tight end Theo Johnson out of Penn State in the fourth round.
The 6-foot-6 rookie has the raw intangibles to become an elite receiving tight end if developed properly and has already taken reps with the first team during voluntary workouts last month. Those reps will become commonplace when minicamp begins next Tuesday.
General manager Joe Schoen also signed veterans Jack Stoll and Chris Manhertz to add to a tight-end group that already included Daniel Bellinger, Lawrence Cager, and Tyree Jackson.
If Waller were to retire, the Giants would save $11.9 million in cap space. That would provide immense relief to a team with the least financial flexibility to work with in the NFL. OverTheCap.com says the Giants have just $1.1 million in cap space.
