After days of speculation, New York Giants tight end Darren Waller has decided to retire from football at the age of 31. Waller informed the team of his decision on Sunday, walking away after just one season with the Giants. The news was first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who stated that Waller had been contemplating retirement throughout the offseason and had not attended workouts. His retirement will free up $11.6 million in cap space for the Giants after he was due to make $10.5 million in the 2024 season, counting $14.1 million against the salary cap.
Waller had played in the NFL for nine seasons, previously with the Baltimore Ravens and the Las Vegas Raiders before joining the Giants. He was acquired by the Giants in a trade last offseason, in a move that saw the team give up a 2023 third-round pick. Throughout his career, Waller had shown potential as a talented tight end, with his best season coming in 2020 when he recorded 107 receptions, ranking fourth in the league and first among tight ends. Despite being limited by injuries, he still managed to amass over 4,000 yards receiving and 20 touchdowns in his career.
The Giants were prepared for Waller’s potential retirement, signing veteran tight ends and drafting a rookie tight end in the 2024 NFL Draft. Waller had signed a lucrative contract extension with the Raiders in 2022, making him the highest-paid tight end in the league at the time. However, injuries limited his playing time, and he was ultimately traded to the Giants. His lone season in New York was underwhelming, with Waller playing in 12 games, starting in 11, and recording 52 receptions for 552 yards and one touchdown.
Despite not having a Hall of Fame career, Waller was effective when available on the field, with a catch percentage of 69.9 in his 86 games and 63 starts. His decision to retire at a relatively young age comes as a surprise to many, but it is clear that he had been considering his future in the league for some time. With his retirement, the Giants will need to adjust their roster and plans for the upcoming season, as they now have additional cap space to work with. Waller’s legacy in the NFL will be remembered for his talent and contributions to the teams he played for throughout his career.
