Final offseason, the Giants despatched a third-round decide to the Las Vegas Raiders in alternate for Darren Waller. New York needed to make upgrades to their offensive expertise. Common Supervisor Joe Schoen felt Waller did that at TE for the Giants. By way of coaching camp and the preseason, Waller seemed like a key piece in New York’s offensive technique.
Nonetheless, the veteran TE needed to cope with nagging accidents all season. He did play in 12 video games for the Giants but it surely was clear Waller was not 100%. Dan Duggan of The Athletic had Waller inform him that the Professional Bowl TE is considering retirement this offseason. The 31-year-old is not sure if he is able to commit to a different season of grinding and placing his physique by way of all of the hits. There’s an actual probability Waller does retire this offseason and steps away from the sport.
Has Darren Waller hinted that he’s going to retire this offseason?
#Giants TE Darren Waller tells @DDuggan21 he’ll decide on his future quickly, although not forward of free company subsequent week.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 7, 2024
In 12 video games for the Giants in 2023, Darren Waller had 52 catches for 552 yards and one landing. Earlier than the season started, many NFL media members speculated Waller to be Daniel Jones’ favourite goal. Not solely did Waller miss time because of damage however Jones did as properly. The QB-TE duo by no means had an actual connection on the sector. New York had to make use of three totally different beginning QBs in 2023 and Waller was by no means capable of finding consistency within the offense.
Waller’s greatest recreation with the Giants was seven catches for 98 yards and a landing vs. the Commanders. Accidents have been an actual concern for the veteran TE over the past three seasons. He hasn’t performed a full season since 2020 with the Raiders. In 2021 Waller performed in 11 video games, he performed 9 in 2022, after which 12 for New York 2023. Proper now. Waller stated he doesn’t know what determination he’s going to make. Mike Garafolo of the NFL Community famous Waller will make his determination after free company begins subsequent week.
At 31 years outdated, Giants TE Darren Waller is not sure if he’ll return to New Jersey to proceed his soccer profession as he contemplates retirement.
“In case you’re not absolutely purchased into each single factor of the method, it’s going to be robust.”
✍️ @DDuggan21 ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/pfuwZZEnYL
— The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) March 7, 2024
If the 31-year-old TE will not be on the crew subsequent season, Daniel Bellinger will change into TE1 once more. Bellinger was a rookie in 2022 for the Giants out of Cincinnati. New York used numerous two TE units in 2023 with the shortage of expertise that they had at WR. The 23-year-old performed in all 17 video games final season and made 13 begins. Anticipate New York to doubtlessly draft one other TE or discover somebody in free company if Waller does retire this offseason. The Giants will eagerly be ready for Waller’s reply.