In 2021, the Giants made a bold move by trading a third-round pick to the Raiders for tight end Darren Waller. At the time, the deal seemed like a smart investment, as Waller had just enjoyed two thousand-yard seasons with the Raiders. However, things didn’t go as planned for Waller in New York.
Despite appearing in only 12 games for the Giants after the trade, Waller was able to make an impact with his catching abilities. He caught 52 passes for 552 yards and one touchdown during his time with the team. However, hamstring issues plagued him and ultimately led to his retirement at the age of 31.
The Giants expressed their respect for Waller as both a person and player in a statement confirming his retirement. They wished him nothing but the best in his future endeavors. Despite their efforts to support him through injuries, Waller’s recurring problems eventually forced him to retire from football.
This incident serves as a reminder that calculated risks don’t always lead to desired outcomes in sports. The Giants believed Waller’s talent was worth pursuing, but ultimately faced limitations in their return on investment due to his injury history.
