Darren Waller nearing retirement decision; likely to retire before next week's minicamp
New York Giants tight end has been mulling retirement throughout the offseason
Waller: 'I'm taking into account the physical and mental toll of the game'
New York Giants tight end Darren Waller is expected to announce his decision to retire from the game ahead of next week's mandatory minicamp, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano on Friday.
Waller, 30, signed a three-year, $51 million extension with the Las Vegas Raiders in September 2021. His average annual value of $17 million per season is the highest by a tight end in the NFL.
Waller has been mulling retirement throughout the offseason. He told ESPN in March that he was "taking into account the physical and mental toll of the game."
"I'm not going to lie, it's been tough," Waller said. "The game has given me so much, but it's also taken a lot from me. I'm just trying to figure out what's best for me and my family right now."
Waller's decision to retire would be a significant loss for the Giants. He is one of the most talented tight ends in the NFL, and he was a key part of the team's offense last season. In 16 games, he caught 67 passes for 751 yards and two touchdowns.
If Waller does retire, the Giants will have a big hole to fill at tight end. The team has a few other tight ends on the roster, but none of them have the same level of experience or production as Waller.
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