New York Giants expect TE Darren Waller to retire

New York Giants tight end Darren Waller said last week during an Instagram Live that he’s close to making a retirement decision and those inside the organization expect him to call it quits, reports ESPN’s Jordan Raanan.

Waller’s final decision is likely to come ahead of the team’s mandatory minicamp on June 11-12.

New York Giants tight end Darren Waller is likely to make a decision by next week’s mandatory minicamp about his playing future and people in and around the team expect that he’s going to retire, multiple sources told ESPN. Those close to him believe he’s leaning in that direction.

In preparation for Waller’s anticipated retirement, the Giants signed tight ends Jack Stoll and Chris Manhertz this offseason and selected Penn State’s Theo Johnson in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft.

The Giants acquired Waller from the Las Vegas Raiders in March of 2023 in exchange for a compensatory 2023 third-round pick (which the Raiders used to select Tre Tucker).

Despite his one injury-plagued season with the Giants and his uncertain future, general manager Joe Schoen said in January he didn’t regret the trade and would do it all again.

“He was still a productive part of our offense when available,” Schoen said. “I would do that again every day of the week.”

If Waller retires, it will free up $11.625 million in 2024 salary cap space for the Giants. However, they will be forced to eat a dead cap hit of $2.45 million this season and $5.91 million next season.