According to a story earlier this month, Darren Waller has made a commitment to play in 2024. Nonetheless, the Giants tight end hasn’t decided on anything yet. In a public statement regarding his circumstances, he affirmed that.
Waller’s first season with the Giants was cut short by the most recent episode of his hamstring problems. He still has a three-year contract in place, but during that time, there is no wage guarantee. The 31-year-old’s career would show to have been profitable even if he were to put up his cleats, since his cumulative earnings have exceeded $42 million.
Waller told Dan Duggan of The Athletic (subscription required), “I’m not sure yet.” Essentially, it’s the notion of embarking on a new adventure. It’s demanding, time-consuming, and needs a lot. It will be difficult if you don’t totally support every aspect of the procedure. In the end, I believe that if you’re not fully committed, you’re doing the guys a disservice.
When healthy, the former sixth-round pick eclipsed 1,100 yards in two straight seasons with the Raiders, proving he is one of the most dynamic tight ends in the NFL. But in the three years since then, Waller’s playing time has been restricted to just 32 games, which played a significant role in his transfer from Vegas to New York. He caught 52 passes for 552 yards and one touchdown in 12 games with the Giants.
Waller added that the Giants have not put a deadline on him and that he does not yet have one. Nevertheless, with the draft and free agency approaching, the team would surely prefer to have clarity. If necessary, replacing the Georgia Tech product would rise to the top of the priority list for a club that already needs pass-catching additions. Waller acknowledged that his final decision will be based on “deeper” considerations, but he acknowledged that health and money are important considerations.
He clarified, “I’m not just returning to pick up an extra check; that’s not what I’m trying to accomplish or who I am trying to be.” I consider myself fortunate to be in a financially comfortable place at this time in my life. Furthermore, I realize that’s not a decision I should be making if my actions are solely motivated by financial gain.
