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.

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

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.

Giants allowing Waller to take his time with decision

The Giants are being patient with Waller, allowing him to take as much time as he needs to make a decision:

“I would say the same thing I said last month, let Darren take what he needs to take and once the decision is made, we’ll go from there,” head coach Brian Daboll told Pro Football Talk. “We have conversations, obviously, but when Darren makes his decision, that’s what we’ll go with.”

New York could benefit from having Waller in 2024. With the addition of LSU standout WR Malik Nabers in the 2024 draft, the Giants offense could be much improved from last season with the tandem of him and Waller. If Waller opts to retire, the Giants will likely roll with Daniel Bellinger, who has shown flashes of being a capable tight end at the NFL level.