New York Giants expect TE Darren Waller to retire from NFL, per report | Sporting News

The New York Giants have waited all offseason for the decision from tight end Darren Waller on whether he wants to continue playing in the NFL.

With the final week of OTAs wrapping up this week followed by mandatory minicamp, which begins June 11, the Giants reportedly expect Waller to retire, per Jordan Raanan and Adam Schefter of ESPN.

The Giants have given Waller his space throughout the offseason. The workouts have been voluntary so he hasn’t needed to show face. Minicamp is a different story, though, considering it’s mandatory.

The Giants would save $11.6 million against the salary cap if Waller retires or is released by the team.

MORE: Giants fans have hilarious jokes after Darren Waller drops music video

With Waller’s retirement looming throughout the majority of the offseason, the Giants have conducted themselves as if they would be without him during the 2024 season.

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.

The Giants also signed veterans Chris Manhertz and Jack Stoll in free agency, but they are projected more for depth and blocking roles.

It’s also been a busy offseason for Waller off the field. He and WNBA star Kelsey Plum divorced after one year of marriage and then awkwardly dropped a music video as a response.

The Giants traded for Waller during the 2023 offseason, hoping to bring him in as a key piece of the passing game. It didn’t go quite as well as they’d hoped.

Waller dealt with nagging injuries throughout the campaign, appearing in 12 games (11 starts). He recorded 52 receptions for 552 yards and one touchdown as the Giants offense slumped.

The move isn’t official yet, but it appears we’re finally getting a conclusion to this saga.

For more Giants coverage, check out Kevin Hickey’s work on Sporting News.