Former Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller has retired from the NFL at the age of 31 after one season with the New York Giants.
Waller informed the Giants of his decision prior to the start of their mini-camp. The Giants confirmed his retirement in a statement Sunday afternoon.
“We have great respect for Darren as a person and player,” the statement read. “We wish him nothing but the best.”
The mandatory minicamp starts in New York on Tuesday. The Giants traded a third-round pick to acquire Waller from the Las Vegas Raiders prior to last season.
Waller, an eight-season NFL veteran, had reportedly been considering retirement during the low season. His decision came as no surprise to the Giants, who selected Penn State tight end Theo Johnson in the fourth round of April’s NFL draft. Although they certainly expected more than one season of his services when they traded for him in 2023.
Waller addressed his social media status on June 3, amid reports that he was considering retirement. He then said he had yet to make a decision.
Waller started 12 games for the Giants in 2023, tallying 52 catches 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 is not clear what prompted Waller to retire. He remained a productive NFL starter and would have projected at the top of the Giants depth chart had he remained with the team. He released a music video in May depicting his relationship and breakup with WNBA All-Star Kelsey Plum. The couple announced their divorce earlier in May after a year of marriage. It is not clear whether Waller plans to continue with music.
With Waller gone, 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 catches for 255 yards. Johnson and former Philadelphia Eagles starter Jack Stoll could also battle for starting time.
According to Spotrac, Waller’s retirement frees up $11.6 million in salary cap space for the upcoming season. He will be responsible for dead cap hits of $2.45 million in 2024 and $4.9 million in 2025.
