Who is the TE1 for the New York Giants? Darren Waller Reportedly Expected To Retire

The New York Giants have gone through a lot of changes this offseason, which included losing both Saquon Barkley and Xavier McKinney in free agency. However, the team did draft Malik Nabers with the sixth overall pick and traded for Pro Bowl pass rusher Brian Burns.

Nabers' arrival will surely be the biggest offseason impact for the Giants offense, especially for a team looking to find some consistent playmakers for quarterback Daniel Jones. Jones, though, might also be losing one of his top receiving options in Darren Waller.

Why won't Waller be with the Giants in 2024? Who will be the TE1 in his place? Let's dive in and find out.

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Is Darren Waller Retiring?

There have been rumblings all offseason that Waller is contemplating retirement. Despite only being 31 years old and playing just eight seasons, the Pro Bowl tight end has surely dealt with his fair share of injuries over his career. He has only played 21 games since 2022 while dealing with multiple hamstring issues.

It appears that Waller is trying to prioritize his mental health after a couple of injury-riddled years in the NFL. The tight end is also going through a divorce with Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plum, so there's been a lot going on in his life recently.

Jordan Raanan of ESPN said that Waller is expected to make his decision in the coming days, but the belief is that he is going to retire. Raanan also went on to say that it would be a complete surprise if the veteran tight end didn't retire before the 2024-2025 season. As a result, there's a good chance the Giants will lose one of their top playmakers.

The #Giants are expecting TE Darren Waller to retire from the NFL, per @JordanRaanan. Waller is expected to make a decision before next week. pic.twitter.com/bCafsBnotl

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 3, 2024

Who Is The TE1 For The New York Giants?

With Waller expected to retire, the Giants will need to lean on another tight end to lead the group in 2024. That tight end should be third-year playmaker Daniel Bellinger.

Bellinger was New York's fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and he was actually the team's starting tight end back in his rookie season. In that year, the former San Diego State product caught 30 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns. However, when Waller arrived last offseason, the young tight end took a backseat on offense.

Daniel Bellinger TE1 season is back on after a year off in 2023.pic.twitter.com/bwodxbVUz7

— Gridiron Media (@Gridiron_Media_) June 3, 2024

Now, Bellinger should once again be the Giants' starting tight end. Fantasy managers, though, shouldn't expect a ton of production from the 23-year-old. He will likely be an inconsistent option at tight end in fantasy throughout the year in a bottom offense. It's also worth noting that fourth-round rookie Theo Johnson could take his job if he does not perform well this offseason or early in the 2024 campaign.

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