2 Giant Goofballs: A NY Giants Podcast - Darren Waller Retires & Latest Giants News & Rumors

Darren Waller Retires & Latest Giants News & Rumors

06/11/24 • 63 min

Darren Waller officially informed the Giants of his decision to retire on Sunday. Waller began his NFL journey with the Ravens as a wide receiver after being drafted out of Georgia Tech in the 6th round. His early career was troubled by multiple suspensions due to substance abuse issues. Later the then-Oakland Raiders that Waller was converted to a tight end, and his career took off in 2019 with 1,145 yards, finishing 3rd in the comeback player of the year award. His best season came in 2020, where he posted 107 receptions for 1,196 yards and 9 touchdowns, earning him a Pro Bowl selection. Unfortunately, the last three seasons were plagued by injuries, particularly hamstring issues. The Raiders traded him to the Giants last offseason for a 3rd round pick, and in his lone season with the Giants, he posted 552 yards and 1 touchdown in 12 games. Over his career, Waller played 86 games, starting 63, and amassed 4,124 yards and 20 touchdowns.
So, why did Darren Waller retire? In March, he told The Athletic, "It's really the idea of signing up for another journey. It's tough, it's long, it requires a lot. And if you're not fully bought into every single thing of the process, it's going to be tough." While his numerous health issues likely played a role, speculation about his divorce from WNBA star Kelsey Plum has also been considered a factor, though he mentioned retiring even before the divorce was publicized. Was it to pursue his music career? Some people have speculated he didn’t want to play with Daniel Jones, but he would have just asked for a trade then.
Waller’s legacy varies depending on perspective. NFL fans might see him as a player with a short but impressive peak. Ravens fans likely remember him as the one who got away, while Raiders fans might see him as a great player hampered by injuries. Giants fans may view him as a wasted 3rd round pick. However, his story should also be remembered for his charity work and overcoming addiction.
With Waller's retirement, is the tight end position downgraded? Short answer: yes, but perhaps not as severely as one might think. Theo Johnson has been looking good according to OTA reports, and Daniel Bellinger may also get more chances to shine. This move could allow young players to develop, which might benefit the team in the long run.
Financially, the Giants gain $11.6M in cap savings this season with $2.5M in dead cap space. Next season, there will be a $4.9M dead cap hit.
Looking ahead, should the Giants extend Darius Slayton? He’s currently in the last year of his deal with a $7.75M cap number in 2024. Comparable players like Gabe Davis have signed deals around $13M per year. Is Slayton worth that to the Giants, or do they prefer to see how Jalin Hyatt performs this year first?
There’s also speculation about signing veterans like Stephon Gilmore or Calais Campbell. Gilmore, turning 34 in September, had a solid season with Dallas but might block younger players' development. Campbell, turning 38, could provide depth but similarly might impede younger talent.
Alternatively, should the Giants wait to see which free agents appear later on? This strategy is risky, but mid-season cuts could provide val

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NY Giants OTA #9 Report & Latest Giants News & Rumors

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OTA 9 Recap
The offense looked very crisp during OTA 9. Starting with 7-on-7 drills, Daniel Jones went 5 of 6 with four touchdowns. The first TD was to Jalin Hyatt, followed by Malik Nabers, another to Hyatt, and the fourth to Wan'Dale Robinson. During the team portion, Drew Lock impressed by going 9 for 10 with two touchdowns to Malik Nabers and another to Isaiah Hodgins during red zone drills. Tommy DeVito connected with Allen Robinson for a TD, while Lawrence Cager and John Jiles caught touchdowns from Nathan Rourke. On defense, Dane Belton, Jason Pinnock, and Jalen Mills all batted down passes, with Jordon Riley deflecting one at the line. Boogie Basham could have had two sacks, once sharing with DJ Davidson. Azeez Ojulari forced a quick throw by getting into the backfield, and Kayvon Thibodeaux disrupted the QB’s timing multiple times.
Art Stapleton praised Malik Nabers, saying, “I have not seen a receiver have a practice like he did today since Odell. Wish I could give you more than words and the video is the team opts to put out. Jumped off the page, so to speak. If this were training camp, my word.” Stapleton is a respected columnist and podcaster who has covered the Giants for many years. There has been a lot of hype surrounding Nabers, but should we believe the OTA hype? After all, Darren Waller was called a unicorn and Tre Hawkins was deemed the steal of the draft last year, and we know how their seasons turned out.
Sterling Shepard signed a 1-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, reuniting with his college QB from Oklahoma, Baker Mayfield. The Bucs have star WRs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, along with young talents like second-year receiver Trey Palmer and rookie Jalen McMillan. It will be tough for Shepard to make the team, but fans still root for him. If he makes the squad, the Giants play the Bucs at MetLife in Week 11 on November 24th.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni stirred controversy by telling Giants fans, “You know, we got your best player,” referring to Saquon Barkley. The Eagles signed Barkley on the first day of free agency tampering to a 3-year, $37.75M contract with $26M guaranteed. The Eagles are currently under investigation for improper contact during the tampering period. The Giants didn't even make an offer to Barkley, whose departure leaves Dexter Lawrence and Andrew Thomas as arguably the Giants' best players. Some argue that Xavier McKinney, who is younger and played every down last season, was a more significant loss than Barkley. Barkley ended his Giants tenure 4th in rushing yards and 7th in total yards, playing in 74 games while the team went 34-64-1 since he was drafted second overall in 2018.
Giants to Wear New 100th Season Century Red Uniforms Week 1 Against the Minnesota Vikings
Jalin Hyatt expressed confidence in the Giants making the playoffs, saying, "Just looking at our team, looking at what we got -- for goals, I just want a team goal. We have a playoff team. That's what we want to do. That's our focus and we're gonna get there." While there are low expectations around the league, it’s good to see players aiming high. Although the Giants making the playoffs seems unlikely, strange

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Big Move: Giants Sign CB Tre Herndon III & Minicamp Practice Report Plus More

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Wesigned CB Tre Herndon III, also known as Willie Herndon, but called "Tre" since he is the third in his family with that name. Herndon, who stands at 5'11" and weighs 190 lbs, is 28 years old. He was brought in for a workout with the team before securing a contract. An undrafted free agent out of Vanderbilt, Herndon initially signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018.
In the 2024 season, Herndon played 16 games, starting 4, and recorded 46 tackles, 9 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble, 1 tackle for loss, and 3 quarterback hits, earning a 70.8 PFF grade. Over his six-year career, all with the Jaguars, he played in 83 games, starting 34. Herndon completed his initial three-year contract with the Jaguars and then signed three consecutive one-year contracts with the team.
Giants Mini Camp
Mini camp saw several players sidelined due to injuries. Right tackle Evan Neal (ankle), cornerback Aaron Robinson (knee), and wide receiver/kick returner Gunner Olszewski, injured early in OTAs, missed practice. Tight end Daniel Bellinger did not participate in team periods but insisted he is not injured. Quarterback Daniel Jones didn't take part in the 11-on-11 series out of precaution following his ACL injury last season. Additional injuries during practice included Darius Slayton, Bryce Ford-Wheaton, and Chase Cota.
During Monday's drills, Daniel Jones received most of the reps at quarterback with the skill players. Offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo focused on combo blocks to build chemistry within the group, working with both tackles and tight ends, while assistant O-line coach James Ferentz worked with guards and centers on moving in-sync during zone runs and combo blocking.
Evan Neal rode the exercise bike during practice, with head coach Brian Daboll stating that Neal would not practice until training camp next month. Daboll mentioned they’ve “backed off” Neal, who underwent ankle surgery in early January. It remains unknown if he has suffered a setback.
Chase Cota suffered a fractured collarbone and was carted off the field during mini camp. Recovery time typically ranges from 6 to 12 weeks. Six weeks would put him at the start of training camp, while 12 weeks would put him at the start of the regular season. This injury could make it an uphill battle for Cota, a fringe player, to make the roster.
Bryce Ford-Wheaton has a shoulder sprain. Recovery time for a grade 1 sprain is a few weeks, but a grade 2 sprain can take several months. He is also recovering from last season’s ACL injury. If it’s a grade 1 sprain, he should be ready for training camp, but if the injury lingers, it could hinder his chances of making the roster.
Giants Workout Updates
- OL Kellen Diesch: The 6'7", 300 lbs, 26-year-old offensive lineman, undrafted out of Arizona in 2022, has yet to play a regular season NFL game despite stints with the Dolphins, Bears, Steelers, and Browns.
- TE Noah Togiai: An undrafted free agent from Oregon State in 2020, Togiai has played 4 NFL games but has yet to record a reception. He has spent most of his career on practice squads with the Colts and Eagles.
- TE Geor'quarius Spivey: The 6'5", 240 lbs tight end had an inconsistent colle

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