NFC East Rival Loses Star Tight End to Retirement
By Jovan Alford
The New York Giants already took a major defeat to their offense earlier this offseason as they saw star running back Saquon Barkley sign a blockbuster three-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.
With Barkley leaving in March, it puts a lot of strain on Daniel Jones, and the Giants’ passing game to be on their A-game. However, Jones and the Giants will not have their starting tight end, who officially decided on his playing career.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday that New York Giants tight end Darren Waller informed the team that he plans to retire. Rapoport adds that the 31-year-old pass-catcher didn’t attend workouts and the Giants knew for some time that Waller may not play.
Sources: #Giants TE Darren Waller has informed the team he plans to retire, walking away at the age of 31 after just one season with NYG.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 9, 2024
Waller hasn’t attended workouts, and the team had known for some time he may not play. Now, he’s officially let them know before minicamp. pic.twitter.com/1ZTmj1VX2m
The veteran tight end spent one season with the Giants after being traded by the Las Vegas Raiders last offseason.
Waller’s 2023 campaign in the Big Apple didn’t go to plan as he dealt with injuries and couldn’t find that groove he had with the Raiders. The veteran tight end had 52 receptions (74 targets) for 552 yards and a touchdown.
Waller faced the Eagles both times last season but didn’t do much damage. Philly held Waller to seven receptions (11 targets) for 77 yards.
With Waller hanging up the cleats, the Giants will turn to rookie Theo Johnson and former Eagle Jack Stoll, whom New York signed in free agency. Eagles fans remember Stoll more for his blocking than pass-catching, so it will be interesting to see what the Giants do on offense this season without Waller.
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