5 Giants on Thin Ice Following 2024 NFL Draft

2. Darren Waller

The Darren Waller retirement saga has easily been the most surprising development this offseason. Waller has not officially announced his decision, but the Giants are operating as if he will retire, which was made apparent by their fourth-round pick.

The Giants used the No. 107 overall pick on Penn State tight end Theo Johnson, who has a large frame and is an explosive athlete. Johnson operates primarily as a pass catcher and is not known for his blocking prowess. Another player who fits this description is Waller, thus feeding into the speculation that Johnson was drafted to replace Waller.

New York had more pressing needs it could have addressed in the fourth round, namely at running back and defensive line, instead of drafting another tight end. It's possible the Giants thought Johnson was too good to pass up regardless of positional need. But the more likely scenario is they'll need a new starting tight end for the upcoming season.

Even if Waller decides he doesn't want to hang up his cleats just yet, it's doubtful he'll be in the Big Apple until 2026 when his contract expires. If Waller follows up his underwhelming Giants debut campaign with another stinker this season, he'll likely be released before he retires.