Veteran Tight End Darren Waller's Shocking Retirement and Unretirement Saga

In a surprising turn of events, veteran tight end Darren Waller has shocked the New York Giants twice since being acquired in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders. First, Waller decided to retire in 2024, midway through the 2024 NFL season. However, he has now decided to end his retirement and requested a trade to the Miami Dolphins. The Giants obliged, shipping Waller to South Beach along with a 2027 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2026 conditional sixth-round pick. Former Giants wide receiver and Super Bowl champion Plaxico Burress believes he knows the reasons behind Waller's abrupt decisions. Burress said Waller was frustrated with being used as a fullback, a role he was not mentally or psychologically suited for as a tight end. Burress also thinks Waller "didn't really want to be here in New York playing for Brian Daboll" and was unhappy with how the Giants were utilizing him. At the time of Waller's retirement, Giants general manager Joe Schoen said he had no regrets over the trade. It remains to be seen if he still feels the same way now after Waller's unretirement and subsequent trade to the Dolphins.