2. Theo Johnson replacing Darren Waller
One of the biggest questions for the Giants this offseason is whether or not former Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller will retire. The veteran tight end mentioned earlier in the offseason that he was deciding whether or not he would like to call it a career, but has yet to come to a decision.
The 31-year-old TE joined the Giants last season after five campaigns with the Raiders and has dealt with several injuries throughout his career, including last season in New York. In 2023, Waller appeared in 12 games with the G-Men and had 52 receptions, 552 yards, and a touchdown. With Waller struggling to stay healthy and perform at the same level he used to, many Big Blue fans are ready to move on from the veteran.
The organization has also prepared for Waller's retirement announcement by drafting Penn State tight end Theo Johnson in the fourth round of this year's NFL Draft. The three-year starter with the Nittany Lions has excellent size and athletic ability. Johnson performed well in the last two seasons and was the fifth tight end off the board this year. Last year, as a junior, he had 34 receptions, 341 yards, and seven touchdowns in 13 games.
With Waller's unknown situation, the Giants operate like a team without him. The team still rosters Daniel Bellinger and Lawrence Cager, and the G-Men signed Jack Stoll and Chris Manhertz. Big Blue has plenty of depth at the tight end position and could function without Waller. Still, the Giants' fourth-round pick is expected to get opportunities in Year 1.
.@Connor_J_Hughes reports from Giants camp on what Theo Johnson will bring to the Giants and how Johnson could help Big Blue if Darren Waller doesn't come back https://t.co/FJXbhjyML2 pic.twitter.com/nYHsBM6SBN
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) May 11, 2024