Giants Expect TE Darren Waller to Retire

New York Giants TE Darren Waller set to retire ahead of minicamp, dealing with divorce and career struggles. Giants prepare replacements.

New York Giants tight end Darren Waller is reportedly on the verge of announcing his retirement from the NFL just before the team's mandatory minicamp on June 11-12. Waller has been considering retirement since February and has been absent from the team's voluntary offseason program as he navigates this decision. During this time, he has been focusing on his music career while also going through a divorce with his wife, WNBA star Kelsey Plum.

Acquired from the Raiders last offseason, Waller struggled in his first season with the Giants, failing to replicate the success he had with the Raiders in 2019 and 2020. Hamstring issues limited his playing time, with just 20 games over the past two seasons, including 12 games with the Giants where he recorded 52 catches for 552 yards and a touchdown.

While the Giants have given Waller the space he needs to make his decision, they have also been preparing for his potential departure. The team signed tight ends Jack Stoll and Chris Manhertz in free agency and drafted Theo Johnson in the fourth round of the 2024 draft. These moves indicate that the Giants are ready to move forward without Waller in the lineup.

Waller had previously mentioned that he would make a decision on his football future by mid-June, coinciding with the mandatory minicamps. If Waller does retire, the Giants will gain significant salary cap space, which can be used to address other needs on the team. This decision will have implications for the Giants as they prepare for the upcoming season and beyond.