Darren Waller Still Debating Retirement or Returning to Giants

The veteran had a difficult first season in New York.

Darren Waller had a disappointing first season with the New York Giants, totaling just 552 receiving yards and one touchdown in 11 games while battling injuries. The year was so tough for the tight end that he apparently is considering leaving the game all together.

The New York Post reported Friday the Giants were convinced Waller is returning for the 2024 NFL season after a recent conversation with his agent Drew Rosenhaus. However, Waller is still undecided.

“I have not made a decision either way,” Waller told The New York Post.

The Giants traded for Waller last offseason expecting him to be the big addition to the offense following a playoff 2022 season. Instead, both Waller and the Giants offense struggled throughout 2023, as no receiver on the team surpassed 800 receiving yards.

Waller reportedly considered retiring after the 2023 season :: Brad Penner/USA Today sports

Waller has been in the league since 2015, but broke out with the Raiders in ’19 after battling off-field issues, including challenges with sobriety early in his career. He signed a three-year extension with the Raiders in ’22, but Las Vegas traded him to New York last offseason before the extension officially kicked in.

The tight end is under contract through 2026, but the Giants can release him without much of a penalty at any point before then. Waller will enter this year at 32 years old, having missed 19 games due to injuries since ’21.