Giants are waiting to decide whether to retire veteran tight end in order to show patience.
Tight end Darren Waller of the New York Giants has been considering retirement for the most of the offseason. Head coach Brian Daboll said the Giants will give Waller as much time as he needs to make the most significant decision of his life, so the 31-year-old won’t be rushed into choosing a side.
In recent years, Darren Waller has struggled with injuries and a decline in output.
Tight end with the New York Giants At MetLife Stadium, Darren Waller (12) sprints with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half.
September 10, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; tight end for the New York Giants In the first half at MetLife Stadium, Darren Waller (12) runs with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys. Mandatory Photo Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Ed Mulholland
The Giants acquired Waller before the 2023 campaign began. It was anticipated that the former Raiders star would significantly improve the pitiful Giants offense. Waller’s first season with the Giants saw him participate in just 12 games, recording 552 receiving yards and just one score. Sadly, Waller’s ambition was never realized.
Waller’s career has been dominated by injuries in the latter stages. only making an appearance in 32 of the 51 games that may be played, and his season total of 665 receiving yards is his lowest since 2020. Waller decided to retire because he knew that playing football would cause his physique to deteriorate.
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Giants letting Waller make his decision slowly
July 26, 2023; East Rutherford, NJ, USA: On the opening day of training camp at the Quest Diagnostics Training Facility, New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, right, speaks with tight end Darren Waller. The following credit is required: Danielle Parhizkaran from USA TODAY Sports.
Waller is getting the time he needs to make a choice, and the Giants are patient with him:
Head coach Brian Daboll told Pro Football Talk, “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.” “Obviously, we talk things through, but we’ll act on Darren’s decision once he makes it.”
It would be advantageous for New York to have Waller in 2024. With Waller and LSU star wide receiver Malik Nabers joining the Giants in the 2024 draft, the offense should be significantly better than it was the previous year. The Giants will probably go with Daniel Bellinger, who has shown glimmers of being a competent tight end in the NFL, if Waller decides to retire.
