After a season with such high expectations, the New York Giants had a down year in 2023, as they went 6-11 and missed the playoffs after making it to the postseason the year prior. They are now looking for much better results in 2024, but it could be another tough season, especially with the schedule release not doing the Giants any favors.
With key players gone like running back Saquon Barkley and safety Xavier McKinney, the Giants did address some key needs like drafting wide receiver Malik Nabers and signing running back Devin Singletary. Don't forget about the Brian Burns trade. Even with those moves being made, more still needs to be done this offseason, with ESPN seeing the tight end spot as the biggest roster hole.
ESPN has the tight end position as the biggest roster hole for Big Blue
This should really come as no surprise. Darren Waller's future with the Giants seems to be up in the air at the moment after his first season with New York. In 2023, he posted 52 receptions for 552 yards and one touchdown - not what people expected after the trade was announced. Waller is reportedly leaning towards retirement and the Giants appear to be operating as if he won't be back.
If Waller does in fact leave the Giants and retire from the league, the Giants would likely have Daniel Bellinger be the go-to option at TE. Bellinger posted 30 receptions his rookie season and followed that up with 25 more in 2023. He's known more as a blocker, but he has shown he can be reliable catching the ball as well. The Giants did add some insurance, though, by selecting Penn State standout Theo Johnson in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Despite the Giants also signing blocking tight ends Chris Manhertz and Jack Stoll, there's still a lot left to be desired at tight end. Might Joe Schoen try to bring in another veteran this summer? Waller has still not given any definitive answer, but the longer his announcement drags out, the less confident people are that he will be back on the field once Week 1 gets here. He had such high expectations with the team, but injuries got in the way of him reaching his potential in East Rutherford. He could surprise us all and play in '24, but it seems doubtful.