Darren Waller isn’t rushing to make a decision about his future just because the NFL Draft is approaching.
As first reported by The Post, the Giants’ starting tight end had been thinking about retiring since January, but told The Athletic last week that he hasn’t made up his mind yet.
And that may not be until April 25, when night one of the 2024 NFL Draft begins.
“That would be the ideal, but I don’t want to impose it on myself,” he said. “It must be before summer vacation.”
The Giants will begin summer vacation on June 12th. The voluntary offseason program begins Monday and includes OTAs in May and June before switching to a mandatory two-day minicamp.
It is unclear if and when Waller will report to East Rutherford to participate.
“At some point you have to make a decision,” Waller said. “In order to have a hard time, it has to be 100 percent agreed upon. And I have to make sure I bring it to the table, otherwise it’s the person I’m wearing the suit.” It’s a disadvantage for us. We also want to give our team time to prepare for next season, no matter which path we go down. So… it’s a bit of a difficult decision, but here we are.”
The Giants, who were free agents like Waller, have no plans to return and will instead sign free agents Jack Stoll and Chris Manhertz.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see another tight end added late in the draft. Waller was practicing with prospects Cade Stover and J’Tavion Sanders in Las Vegas, catching passes from Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell.
If Waller plays, he will count $14 million against the salary cap.
Waller’s soft spot for the Giants given his impact as the No. 2 receiver last season (552 yards in 12 games) and salary cap impact ($6.2 million freed, $7.8 million). There is no benefit to being constantly bored. death) regardless of whether he is cut or retired.
Waller was acquired from the Raiders last offseason as a third-round draft pick and was a splashy addition to the Giants.
