The tight end position has been one of strength for the Las Vegas Raiders over the past few years. Now, it is Michael Mayer and rookie Brock Bowers holding it down, but before them, it was Darren Waller who exploded out of nowhere to become one of the most dynamic players at the position in the entire NFL.
Waller joined the Raiders in 2018 but made a huge leap in 2019 as he led the Raiders with 90 receptions for 1,145 yards. He followed that up with a career year in 2020, again leading the team with 107 catches for 1,196 yards and nine touchdowns, being named to the Pro Bowl.
Waller was eventually traded to the New York Giants prior to the 2023 season, but now it looks like that may be his final NFL season. According to Jordan Raanan of ESPN, the Giants are expecting Waller to announce his retirement:
New York Giants tight end Darren Waller is likely to make a decision by next week’s mandatory minicamp about his playing future, and people in and around the team expect that he’s going to retire, multiple sources told ESPN. Those close to him believe he’s leaning in that direction.
Waller, 31, said during an Instagram Live on Friday that a decision was coming very soon. He has been contemplating retirement since the end of last season and hasn’t attended any of the team’s voluntary offseason workouts this spring.
The tight end said in a recent interview that he was questioning his commitment to the game of football. Since he hasn’t been at any Giants offseason activities, it makes sense why many believe he is leaning towards retirement. Waller has also been working on his music and is in the process of dealing with a divorce from Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plum of the WNBA.
Waller has also dealt with a number of injuries over the past couple of seasons, and his body may be breaking down. He has missed at least five games in each of the last three years and has been greatly limited in many others.
Raiders TE Michael Mayer believes he and Brock Bowers will be unstoppable together
The Raiders’ current tight end situation is one of the most promising in the league. Last year’s second-round pick, Michael Mayer, pairs up with this year’s first-round selection, Brock Bowers, and Mayer doesn’t see any teams stopping them.
The second-year man believes teams won’t be able to stop both he and Bower, noting the size of both of them along with Bowers’ unbelievable speed and athleticism. Both in the run game as blockers and in the passing game, being able to do so many things, the Raiders have a pair of weapons on their hands with which they can do a lot.
