New York Giants tight end Darren Waller says he hasn’t decided whether to play in the 2024 season or retire from professional football.
New York Giants tight end Darren Waller, who caused a stir earlier this year when it was announced that he was considering retirement after a poor and injury-plagued first season after his trade from the Las Vegas Raiders, is still unsure what he intends to do next.
The New York Post reported last month that Waller was considering retirement following a failed 2023 campaign.
“I haven’t made a decision yet,” Waller said to Forbes. “It is just an issue of respecting the process. There is a lot that goes into getting from April to February in an NFL season. commitment that is required. I’m a man who is changing, maturing, who has played a lot of football and gone through a lot.”
Waller, who will be 32 in September, caught 52 catches for 552 yards and one score in 12 games (11 starts) for New York last season.
With Waller’s future uncertain, the Giants signed fellow tight ends Jack Stoll and Chris Manhertz in free agency last month.
Last month, he told The Athletic that he could go either way with his choice to return and that it had nothing to do with the hamstring ailments that had cost him so many games over the previous three seasons, but that the problems were far deeper.
He also said that the choice will be made “pretty soon.” So, about a month later, and with the Giants’ offseason programme slated to begin on April 15, where does he stand?
“I have not decided yet,” a cheerful Waller told Giants Country when asked whether he would play next year.
Waller, a member of the Icy Hot Squad, seemed healthy and ready to face another gruelling NFL season. Although he will be 32 years old when the season starts, he believes he still has the agility that made him such a matchup nightmare for the Raiders.
“Physically, I do still feel like I’m there,” he remarked when asked whether he could still play at a high level. There have been injuries, but when I’m well and on the pitch, I believe I still have a lot to contribute.”
“I’m at the point now where I’m like, ‘OK, how much am I willing to give to the process,'” Waller stated. “If I don’t give it my all, I’m doing a disservice to my teammates and the organisation. I’m still trying to choose it, and it’s difficult to choose between the two based on emotions.”
Waller is owed a basic salary of $10.5 million in 2024. He agreed to a three-year, $51 million contract deal with the Las Vegas Raiders in September 2022. In March 2023, New York acquired him from Las Vegas in exchange for a third-round selection in the previous year’s draft.
Waller had consecutive 1,100-yard seasons with the Raiders in 2019 and 2020, reaching the Pro Bowl in the latter year.
Waller has 350 receptions for 4,124 yards and 20 touchdowns in 86 games (63 starts) with the Baltimore Ravens (2015-16), Raiders (2018-22), and Giants.
Many aspects of the game continue to interest Waller, and when questioned about them, one can see the sincerity in his expression as he discusses the camaraderie with other players and how much effort he puts into the craft to play at such a high level.
“The guys,” Waller said. “Being out there and working in a team situation. Whether it’s you making the play that stimulates the team or one of the guys making a play that sparks you, bring in that atmosphere and contribute to something greater than yourself.”
The stadium’s excitement continues to thrill Waller, and he likes how it can be lit up when a play is made. Although it is not his primary interest, that does not mean he does not strive to be the best he can be. So, if he decides to return for the 2024 season, Giants fans shouldn’t expect him to hound it out there.
“I always give my all to the things in my life that I am passionate about. I always try to be present in the moment and give it all I have,” Waller said. The outcomes may be wonderful or less than what you expect from someone of my skill or calibre, but that does not represent my work ethic or the effort I put in.”
