When the Giants brought in Daniel Jones from the Raiders after their unexpected playoff run in 2022, they had high hopes for Darren Waller as a key asset for him.
Unfortunately, the injury-ridden former Pro Bowl tight end didn’t quite meet expectations. He missed games due to a hamstring injury, and the Giants ended up with a disappointing 6-11 record, with Waller accumulating only 552 yards and a single touchdown over 12 games.
Although Waller announced his retirement prior to the 2024 season, he made a comeback with the Dolphins that summer and stood out in three games, scoring four touchdowns.
The 33-year-old has expressed some dissatisfaction with his time in New York, suggesting the Giants failed to utilize him properly. He mentioned being placed in roles typical for a fullback during certain plays.
“There were personal issues I was dealing with that made me think stepping away was a smart choice,” Waller noted in a podcast. “At that point… I wouldn’t say I was directly frustrated since I was doing what any good teammate should, but it didn’t feel like I was given the opportunity to showcase my abilities. That’s where the frustration likely originated.”
“I was filling gaps, engaging with linebackers, running basic routes. That really didn’t play to my strengths.”
During this time, Waller was also navigating a divorce from WNBA player Kelsey Plumb, with the couple having filed together in April 2024, just a year after their wedding.
When Waller decided to return to the field, the Giants retained his rights and traded him to Miami, acquiring sixth and seventh-round picks for 2026 and 2027 respectively.
Waller made the choice to resume playing in June, but acknowledged uncertainty about how quickly he would be able to make an impact.
“I was a bit taken aback,” he reflected. “I don’t think I’ll ever disregard how my body feels.”
