INDIANAPOLIS — Darren Waller could retire from the NFL, and if he does, the Giants will need a new starting tight end.
Waller told the Post on Friday that he is “undecided” whether he will continue his active career.
Earlier in the day, the Giants spoke with Waller’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, and based on that conversation, they believed Waller would return to the team for a second season.
Apparently, that may not be the case.
“We haven’t made a decision yet either way,” Waller said.
Waller has indicated to Giants organization officials that he is considering retirement after the 2023 season, sources told the Post.
His first year with the team didn’t go as planned. He was injured again and only had one touchdown catch. The 31-year-old tight end appeared to think it was time to say goodbye to the NFL.
Last year, Waller released his second rap album, Walking Miracle, and he may be thinking of making music a second career.
Giants officials confirmed Friday that Waller will play for the team in 2024, based on conversations with his agent.
Waller heard the news and clarified that he doesn’t yet know what he will do.
Waller is scheduled to make a base salary of $10.5 million this season, which will count toward the salary cap as $14 million.
The Giants have no intention of making him a cap casualty, The Post has learned.
The Giants want Waller back and hope he can stay healthy and contribute even more to the offensive line than he did in 2023. Now they must wait for a decision on whether Waller will return.
The Giants acquired Waller in March 2023, sending a third-round draft pick to the Raiders for the once explosive offensive weapon.
Waller had 197 receptions, 2,341 yards, and 12 touchdowns in 2019 and 2020 combined. A series of hamstring issues caused him to miss a total of 14 games in 2021 and 2022, but the Raiders have plenty of experience.
With the Giants, Waller couldn’t overcome a dysfunctional offensive line and a revolving door of quarterbacks.
He injured his hamstring in Week 8 and missed five games. Waller finished the season with 52 catches for 552 yards. His only touchdown came in Week 7 against the Commanders, when he scored on a 15-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor in a 14-7 win at MetLife Stadium.
Waller’s salary cap hits $15.4 million in 2025 and $17.4 million in 2026, but it remains to be seen whether he will reach that point.
For now, it remains to be seen whether he will play in 2024. The only tight end on the roster with significant playing time is Daniel Bellinger, who is entering his third season. If Waller is gone, the Giants will need to add a tight end in free agency and possibly in the NFL Draft.
