Uncertainty looms as Darren Waller remains undecided on his future with the New York Giants

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ICARO Media Group
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02/03/2024 19h41

In a surprising turn of events, veteran tight end Darren Waller has revealed that he is still undecided about his future with the New York Giants. Waller's comments came just a day after reports suggested that he would be returning for the 2024 season.

Speaking to the New York Post, Waller stated, "I have not made a decision either way." This revelation has left Giants fans and team officials wondering about the future of their tight end position.

Earlier this week, sources within the team had indicated that the 31-year-old Waller, who was reportedly contemplating retirement, had committed to playing in 2024. However, Waller's current stance leaves the Giants' general manager, Joe Schoen, uncertain about whether he needs to search for a new tight end during the offseason.

Waller's injury history has been a cause for concern, as he missed four games during the 2023 season and has struggled to stay healthy since his time with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020. In his first season with the Giants, Waller played in 12 games, recording 52 receptions for 552 yards and a touchdown.

Acquired by the Giants in a trade in March 2023, Waller's contract runs through the 2026 season, with a $51 million extension signed in 2022. If Waller chooses to play in 2024, he will receive a base salary of $10.5 million and carry a salary-cap hit of $14 million. This cap hit increases to $15.4 million in 2025 and $17.4 million in 2026. Notably, there is no guaranteed money remaining on his contract, making him a potential candidate to be cut during the offseason.

Despite his injury struggles, Waller has proven himself to be a valuable asset on offense when healthy. In his standout seasons with the Raiders in 2019 and 2020, he amassed an impressive 197 receptions, 2,341 yards, and 12 touchdowns. However, his recent streak of injuries has raised concerns about his ability to stay on the field consistently.

In December, Waller expressed his determination to find a way to stay healthy and contribute regularly. If he decides to return in 2024, the Giants will provide him with that opportunity and hope for the best.

The uncertainty surrounding Darren Waller's future adds an element of intrigue to the Giants' offseason plans. As the team looks for stability and success in the upcoming season, Waller's decision will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping their strategy moving forward.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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