Giants’ Darren Waller not committed to return, still considering retirement

After reports surfaced that he intended to return in 2024, New York Giants TE Darren Waller says he is “still undecided” on his future.

Will tight end Darren Waller return to the New York Giants in 2024?

On Friday, the New York Post reported that Waller had considered retirement following the 2023 regular season but recently made the decision to return for one more season.

Darren Waller will return for a second season with the Giants.

Why is this news? Well, following the 2023 season, Waller expressed to individuals in the Giants organization that he was contemplating retirement, sources told the Post.

That may not be the case, however.

Shortly after that report surfaced, Waller reached out to the Post and acknowledged that retirement remains an option. He has not yet committed to a return and he’s “still undecided” on his future.

“I have not made a decision either way,” Waller told the Post.

The Giants acquired Waller from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a third-round pick. He appeared in 12 games, hauling in 52 receptions for 552 yards and one touchdown.

After an impressive spring, many expected Waller to turn back the clock and become the dominant offensive weapon he once was. He felt healthy and adjusted his training in order to improve his sustainability. But that obviously did not happen.

If Waller does return in 2024, he will be owed a base salary of $10.5 million which accounts for a cap hit of $14 million. If he opts to retire, the Giants will clear $6.2 million in cap space but be left with a dead cap hit of roughly $7.9 million.

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