The former Ravens, Raiders, and Giants tight end confirmed what was already seen as inevitable, retiring from the NFL on June 9.
New York Giants tight end Darren Waller has officially retired from the NFL, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The tight end made his announcement on YouTube, citing injuries and a recent health scare that forced him to “rethink” his career. Waller’s announcement comes after a turbulent, injury-riddled season in which he caught 52 passes for 552 yards and a touchdown. Waller earned a Pro Bowl selection following his 2020 season with the Raiders, and he amassed 350 receptions for 4,124 yards and 20 touchdowns across eight seasons in the NFL.
With Waller now retired, the four tight ends on New York’s depth chart are Daniel Bellinger, Theo Johnson, Jack Stoll, and Chris Manhertz. And while Bellinger figures to be the starter heading into 2024, Theo Johnson — a rookie out of Penn State selected with the 107th overall pick in the draft — is an intriguing long-term breakout candidate and should garner attention in dynasty leagues. Furthermore, Waller’s departure should elevate the ceilings of Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, and Wan’Dale Robinson, among others, although Daniel Jones’ fantasy outlook remains similar to what it was before Waller’s retirement.
New York Giants tight end Darren Waller is expected to make...
New York Giants tight end Darren Waller, who has been ...
New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen said on Thursday ...
New York Giants TE Darren Waller is contemplating retirement according to recent reports
According to recent reports, Darren Waller is still contemplating retirement after three straight injury-plagued seasons. According to these news updates, Waller was very frustrated following his hamstring injury in week 8 last year. While he still garners targets on the field, Waller has missed 18 games from 2021 to 2023. As a result, he hasn’t finished as a top-12 fantasy football tight end since 2020.
With little positive news to go on, Waller is a clear hold in all dynasty fantasy football leagues. He has little to no trade value and still possesses a lot of upside if he can stay healthy. With the Giants on the brink of another rebuild as well, he could potentially be traded entering his age 32 season. If he stays in New York, Waller could also be the top target in the passing game given the current state of the roster.
Giants TE Darren Waller will miss week 9’s game against the Raiders due to a hamstring injury
Darren Waller will not suit up this weekend against the Las Vegas Raiders due to a hamstring injury. The top option for Daniel Jones thus far this season, it is unclear how much time he will miss at this point. However, early indicators suggest this is a multi-week injury and Waller could be a candidate for injured reserve. While Waller is the TE9 through eight games, he has finished outside the top 12 tight ends on four occasions.
Second year tight end Daniel Bellinger will now take over as the starting tight end for the New York Giants. Fantasy managers may remember him from a handful of notable performances as a rookie. Nonetheless, this isn’t a player that should be anywhere near starting lineups. The Giants’ pass game is a mess and Bellinger will be nothing more than a borderline TE2 for fantasy purposes.
