Former Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller has decided to retire from the NFL at the age of 31 after spending just one season with the New York Giants. Waller informed the Giants of his retirement before the start of their minicamp, and the team confirmed his decision in a statement on Sunday. The Giants expressed their respect for Waller as both a person and player and wished him the best in his future endeavors.
The trade acquired Waller from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a third-round draft pick prior to the 2023 season, but his retirement was not unexpected as there had been speculation throughout the offseason. The Giants had selected another tight end in the fourth round of the draft, indicating that they were preparing for Waller’s potential departure.
During his single season with the Giants, Waller started 12 games and recorded 52 catches for 522 yards and a touchdown. Before joining the Giants, Waller spent six seasons with the Raiders and earned a Pro Bowl selection following the 2020 season. He began his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens in 2015.
It is unclear why Waller chose to retire at this point in his career, especially since he was still a productive player. His retirement will create a significant amount of salary cap space for the Giants in the upcoming season. With Waller’s departure, Daniel Bellinger is expected to step into the role of the team’s top tight end, with competition from Theo Johnson and Jack Stoll for additional playing time. Waller’s future plans, including any potential pursuit of a music career, have not been disclosed.