Giants TE Darren Waller to Retire from NFL, per Report

Giants TE Darren Waller to Retire from NFL, per Report

New York Giants tight end Darren Waller is planning to retire from the NFL, as he reportedly informed the team on Sunday, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The decision wasn't too much of a shock as Waller has been teasing a retirement announcement during most of the offseason. He wanted to let the Giants know about his future before the start of minicamp.

The 31-year-old played just one season with the Giants, finishing with 52 catches for 552 yards and one touchdown in 12 games while battling a hamstring injury. He had three years left on his contract with the team, but now the Giants will gain around $11.6 million in cap space.

Waller's NFL career began in 2015 when he was drafted in the sixth round by the Baltimore Ravens. He played just two seasons there as he was suspended the entirety of the 2017 season after violating the league's substance-abuse policy.

After Baltimore, Waller was picked up mid-season in 2018 by the Las Vegas Raiders. He played there until the end of the '22 season. He earned one Pro Bowl honor in his NFL career.

Waller recently filed for divorce from Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plum after one year of marriage back in April. He also released a music video just a couple weeks ago, so this may be his next career path.

Giants' Darren Waller Drops Awkward Debut Music Video Amid NFL Retirement Decision

Giants’ Darren Waller Drops Awkward Debut Music Video Amid NFL Retirement Decision

Darren Waller has yet to announce if he's going to retire from the NFL or play another season for the New York Giants. But he did make a decision this offseason—to drop a debut song and music video out of nowhere on Thursday.

Waller released a song with a full-fledged music video on YouTube called "Who Knew (Her Perspective)." The song's lyrics are mostly about healing from past relationships.

Waller filed for divorce in April after one year of marriage with Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plum.

The 31-year-old Waller wrapped up his eighth NFL season in 2023. In 12 games, Waller caught 52 passes for 552 yards and one touchdown while battling a hamstring injury.

The New York Post reported in March that Waller told Giants officials this offseason that he was contemplating retirement. As of late April, Waller was still undecided about his future on the gridiron.

Waller has three years remaining on his contract. He will make over $14 million if he plays again in 2024.