Despite the New York Giants having the opportunity to potentially find his replacement in the NFL Draft later this month, tight end Darren Waller is in no rush to make a definitive decision on his future as he ponders retirement.
Heading into the 2021 NFL season Darren Waller was viewed as one of the best receiving tight ends in the sport and a young star on the horizon. However, in the three years since the injury demons that followed him early in his career derailed what seemed like a path to superstardom.
- Darren Waller stats (2023): 52 receptions, 552 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 10.6 yards per carry
Related: NFL insider reveals top prospect New York Giants fans should watch closely
Even though he was limited to just 20 games in 2021 and 2022, the New York Giants had a lot of hope that the 31-year-old could recapture his Pro Bowl form and be their go-to receiver this past season. That never came to pass as he played in 12 games and delivered disappointing numbers during a season where the oft-injured player never was fully healthy.
That is why it was not a huge surprise when it was revealed in March that he was seriously pondering retirement to leave the aches and injuries behind. However, a month later Waller has still not decided if he will return in 2024 and it is putting the Giants in a tough spot.
The 2024 NFL Draft is just a couple of weeks away and the team could use one of their picks on Waller’s replacement. But it would be an easier decision if they knew they would not have him and his money left on the salary cap for 2024. However, in a conversation with The Athletic on Tuesday, Waller is not planning to do the organization any favors by making a decision sooner rather than later.
Darren Waller unwilling to rush retirement decision for New York Giants
“That would be ideal,” Waller said about deciding before the NFL Draft, “but I also don’t want to put that on myself. It’s gotta be before summer break, for sure.”
Waller expanded on the situation by explaining why the decision is so difficult and is taking a long time to make.
“I have to make a decision at some point,” he said. “You have to be 100 percent bought in, for the grind. And I have to make sure I am bringing that to the table, or it’s a disservice to the guys I am suiting up with. I also want to give the team time, where whichever way I go, they can prepare for next season. So … it’s a little bit of a difficult decision, but here we are.”
The 2024 NFL Draft begins on April 25.
- Darren Waller contract: 3 years, $51 million
Related: New York Giants showing ‘heavy interest’ in potential Saquon Barkley replacement in NFL Draft