Former Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller retired from the NFL at age 31 after just one season with the New York Giants.
Waller informed the Giants of his decision before the start of his minicamp, reports NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The Giants confirmed his retirement in a statement Sunday afternoon.
“We have great respect for Darren as a person and player,” the statement says. “We wish him nothing but the best.”
New York’s mandatory minicamp begins Tuesday. The Giants traded a third-round pick to acquire Waller from the Las Vegas Raiders before last season.
Waller, a veteran of eight seasons in the NFL, had reportedly been contemplating retirement. throughout the off season. His decision was no surprise to the Giants, who selected Penn State tight end Theo Johnson in the fourth round of April’s NFL Draft. The Giants surely expected more than one season of his services when they acquired him in 2023.
Waller addressed his status on social media on June 3 amid reports that he had been contemplating retirement. He then said that she still had to make a decision.
Waller started 12 games for the Giants in 2023, totaling 52 receptions for 522 yards and a touchdown. He previously played six seasons with the Raiders and made the Pro Bowl after the 2020 season. He played his first two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens starting in 2015.
What’s next for Waller, Giants?
It’s unclear what prompted Waller to retire. He continued to be a productive starter in the NFL and would have projected to the top of the Giants’ depth chart had he remained with the team. He released a music video in May depicting his relationship and marital breakdown with WNBA star Kelsey Plum. The couple announced their divorce in early May after a year of marriage. It is unclear whether Waller intends to pursue music further.
With Waller out, third-year tight end Daniel Bellinger projects as New York’s No. 1 tight end next season. Bellinger started 13 games last season, tallying 25 receptions for 255 yards. Johnson yfFormer Philadelphia Eagles starter Jack Stoll You could also compete for departure time.
By Spotrac, Waller’s retirement frees up $11.6 million in cap space for next season. It will account for salary cap hits of $2.45 million in 2024 and $4.9 million in 2025.