A football from the Pro Bowl. Former Pro Bowler Darren Waller is expected to retire from the NFL.
New York Giants tight end Darren Waller is expected to decide on his future by the start of next week’s minicamp.

Waller, who was on Instagram Live on Friday, said a decision was coming very soon. The 31-year-old has been mulling over retirement since the end of last season and hasn’t attended any voluntary workouts this offseason.

According to ESPN, people in and around the team expect him to retire, while those close to him reckon he’s “leaning in that direction.”

The Giants’ minicamp is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday next week.

The team has been conducting affairs like Darren Waller will hang up the cleats. They added a tight end in the draft, selecting Theo Johnson out of Penn State in the fourth round.

Darren Waller pointing

Darren Waller (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

They also brought in veterans Jack Stoll and Chris Manhertz to supplement a TE room consisting of Daniel Bellinger, Lawrence Cager, and Tyree Jackson.

“It would be a pleasant surprise to the Giants at this point if Waller decides to return for a 10th professional season. He has been busy working on his music — a new song was released last week — and he said in an interview with The Athletic he was questioning his “commitment level” to football,” ESPN reports.

“Waller has also spoken recently about the importance of prioritizing mental health. He has been a mental health advocate in recent years after dealing with substance abuse early in his career. Waller and Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plum filed for divorce last month after being married for a year.”

Darren Waller Had A Decent First Season In NY

Darren Waller has struggled to stay healthy in recent years, with hamstring issues plaguing him over the past two seasons. He made 12 appearances following his trade from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Giants, making 52 catches for 552 yards and one touchdown last season.

The 2020 Pro Bowler, who is contracted through to the 2025 season, is owed $10.525 million for the upcoming season, as well as a potential $1.275 million in per-game roster bonuses. However, none of it is guaranteed.

He has already lost $200,000 by skipping spring workouts.

New York will gain $11.9 million in cap savings this year if he’s a post-June cut.