New York Giants tight end Darren Waller reportedly informed the team he intends to retire from the NFL ahead of mandatory minicamp.
While it was reported earlier that the Giants expected this to be the outcome, it seems Waller has made his decision after being away from the team for the entire offseason.
Waller spent one season with the Giants, recording 52 receptions for 552 yards and one touchdown in 12 games.
MORE: Why Giants TE Darren Waller retired from NFL
With the news that Waller is retiring from the NFL, the Giants will gain a significant chunk of cap space back.
The Giants saved $11.625 million against the cap, according to Over The Cap. They take on a $2.4 million dead cap hit and now have roughly $12.7 million in salary-cap space.
With Waller’s retirement looming throughout the majority of the offseason, the Giants conducted themselves as if they would be without him during the 2024 season. It turned out to be a wise move
The biggest move they made was selecting Penn State tight end Theo Johnson in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Johnson is an elite athlete with the upside to be a two-way tight end.
MORE: Giants rookie TE impressing during OTAs
Johnson is likely to battle with Daniel Bellinger for the starting tight end role during training camp.
The Giants also signed veterans Chris Manhertz and Jack Stoll in free agency, but they are projected more for depth and blocking roles.
For more Giants coverage, check out Kevin Hickey’s work on Sporting News.
