The NFL draft is nearing and the Giants have no idea if Darren Waller, their starting tight end, will be with them for the 2024 season or opt for retirement.
It sure seems as if this would be beneficial information for the Giants to have before they make their six picks next week.
They may not know if it is yea or nay on Waller before the draft. General manager Joe Schoen said Thursday he is laying low with this and giving Waller time to make a decision.
“We’re giving Darren his space,’’ Schoen said. “We’ve had conversations with Drew Rosenhaus, his agent. He’s kept us in the loop on Darren. Hopefully he’s going to make a decision in the short term, but we’re giving him time and space to make a decision on what he wants to do.’’
Schoen said the Giants have not given Waller a deadline to let them know if he is coming back or not.
Waller, 31, was acquired from the Raiders for a 2023 third-round draft pick. He did not provide to the offense what the Giants hoped he would.
In 12 games, Waller had 52 receptions for 552 yards and only one touchdown, a far cry from the weapon he was in 2019 and 2020, when he combined for 197 catches and 12 touchdowns.
The Post on March 1 was first to report that Waller was considering retirement.
If he does walk away, the Giants gain $6.7 in salary-cap space and absorb $7.4 million in dead money.
Waller’s base salary for 2024 is $10.5 million.
Schoen confirmed that WR Darius Slayton is not participating in the voluntary offseason workout program because he is seeking a new contract.
The Giants and Slayton after the 2022 season agreed on a two-year deal for $12 million.
Slayton, 27, in 2023 had 50 receptions for a team-leading 770 yards and matched Saquon Barkley for the team lead with four touchdown receptions.
Schoen said he is friendly with Slayton’s agent, Michael Perrett, and is up to speed on what is going down.
“I understand where he’s coming from, and that’s his prerogative to not be here,’’ Schoen said. “They are voluntary workouts, so that’s understood.’’
Schoen called Slayton “uber-consistent’’ and added “I love Darius.’’ It does not sound as if Schoen is particularly interested in finding any more money for Slayton, though.
“We haven’t had conversations about any type of extension,’’ he said.
RT Evan Neal is coming off ankle surgery.
Schoen saw Neal at a team meeting Monday.
“Looks good, in good spirits,’’ Schoen said. “He’s progressing well.’’
Neal, the No. 7 overall pick in 2022, will be given an opportunity to retain the starting job but the Giants signed veteran Jermaine Eluemunor, who started 34 games at right tackle the past two seasons for the Raiders.