Ex-Packers’ Robert Tonyan suggested as Giants’ tight end insurance for Darren Waller.
Getty Will New York Giants tight end Darren Waller retire from the NFL ahead of the 2024 season?
One massive decision is holding up the remainder of the New York Giants’ offseason, and it revolves around star tight end Darren Waller and his potential retirement.
According to The Athletic’s Dan Duggan on May 15, “the Giants have $6 million in cap space, according to the NFLPA.” He added that this figure “doesn’t include their draft class, which will account for roughly $6 million on the cap.”
How is this relevant to Waller’s impending crossroads?
“If Waller retires (or is released) before June 1, the Giants would create $6.7 million in cap savings while eating $7.4 million in dead money,” Duggan informed. “If Waller retires after June 1, the Giants would create $11.6 million in cap savings while eating $2.5 million in dead money this year and $4.9 million in dead money in 2025.”
Needless to say, June 1 is an important date for Big Blue and Waller — who Duggan called “genuinely undecided about his future.”
Bleacher Report’s Kris Knox suggested a signing that could serve as Waller “insurance” on May 13. Of course, a better word for this free agent addition might be “replacement,” considering the Giants probably won’t ink another veteran tight end unless Waller is already off the books.
“The Giants could also use insurance at tight end, as 2023 addition Darren Waller continues to mull retirement,” Knox wrote within the article. “An experienced pass-catcher like Robert Tonyan Jr. would provide solid depth alongside Daniel Bellinger and rookie fourth-round pick Theo Johnson.”
