Darren Waller: New York Giants tight end contemplated retirement after disappointing 2023 season
TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Mar 2, 2024, 02.45 AM IST
NEW DELHI: New York Giants tight end Darren Waller reportedly considered retirement following a challenging 2023 season, according to the New York Post.
The 31-year-old athlete had a tough debut season with the Giants, catching 52 passes for 552 yards and one touchdown in 12 games, with 11 starts. The team finished with a 6-11 record, and Waller missed five games due to a hamstring injury.
Despite the setbacks, Waller has expressed his desire to continue playing, and the Giants, acknowledging his potential, reportedly want him back for the upcoming season. However, his return comes with a notable financial consideration, as he carries a $14 million hit against the salary cap for 2024.
In 2024, Waller is due a base salary of $10.5 million. The talented tight end signed a three-year, $51 million contract extension with the Las Vegas Raiders in September 2022. His journey to the Giants began in March 2023 when New York acquired him from Las Vegas in exchange for a third-round pick in the previous year's draft.
Waller's performance with the Raiders in 2019 and 2020 was exceptional, as he recorded back-to-back 1,100-yard seasons and earned a Pro Bowl selection in the latter campaign. Over his career, spanning 86 games with 63 starts, he has accumulated 350 catches, 4,124 receiving yards, and 20 touchdowns, playing for the Baltimore Ravens (2015-16), Raiders (2018-22), and the Giants. The Giants remain optimistic about Waller's potential impact and contributions in the upcoming season.
(Inputs from agencies)
The 31-year-old athlete had a tough debut season with the Giants, catching 52 passes for 552 yards and one touchdown in 12 games, with 11 starts. The team finished with a 6-11 record, and Waller missed five games due to a hamstring injury.
Despite the setbacks, Waller has expressed his desire to continue playing, and the Giants, acknowledging his potential, reportedly want him back for the upcoming season. However, his return comes with a notable financial consideration, as he carries a $14 million hit against the salary cap for 2024.
In 2024, Waller is due a base salary of $10.5 million. The talented tight end signed a three-year, $51 million contract extension with the Las Vegas Raiders in September 2022. His journey to the Giants began in March 2023 when New York acquired him from Las Vegas in exchange for a third-round pick in the previous year's draft.
Waller's performance with the Raiders in 2019 and 2020 was exceptional, as he recorded back-to-back 1,100-yard seasons and earned a Pro Bowl selection in the latter campaign. Over his career, spanning 86 games with 63 starts, he has accumulated 350 catches, 4,124 receiving yards, and 20 touchdowns, playing for the Baltimore Ravens (2015-16), Raiders (2018-22), and the Giants. The Giants remain optimistic about Waller's potential impact and contributions in the upcoming season.
(Inputs from agencies)