Darren Waller, the tight end for the New York Giants, has officially announced his retirement from football. This decision was expected by the Giants, as reports last week indicated that Waller was contemplating retirement and would make a final decision before the start of the team’s mandatory minicamp.
Waller was traded to the Giants from the Raiders last year and had a productive season with 52 catches for 552 yards and a touchdown. However, his plans to retire surfaced early in the offseason, and he did not participate in any of the team’s workouts leading up to the decision.
Beginning his career with the Baltimore Ravens, Waller faced adversity when he was suspended for the entire 2017 season due to a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. He then signed with the Raiders in 2018 and had a breakout season with 197 catches for 2,341 yards and 12 touchdowns over the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
Unfortunately, Waller’s availability was limited in his last two years in Las Vegas and with the Giants due to hamstring injuries. With Waller’s retirement, the Giants now have options such as Daniel Bellinger, Jack Stoll, Chris Manhertz, Lawrence Cager, Tyree Jackson, and fourth-round pick Theo Johnson on the roster at tight end.