Strange Darren Waller Trade Highlights Giants' Failings
Following their surprise playoff victory in the 2023 playoffs, the New York Giants got bold.
They knew they needed to find top-notch talent to incorporate into their roster if they wanted to continue to move upward and compete with the best teams in their division and more.
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Could the Giants stick with the likes of the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles? Could they make the moves to do so?
Alas, the changes they made had a different effect on the franchise.
Since their surprising 9-7-1 season in 2022, and their playoff win in the postseason, New York has seen their win total decrease in major ways. A big part of that has been the lack of production from some of the team's biggest acquisitions.
Former tight end Darren Waller is among the best examples of this.
Waller played just a single season with New York in 2023 after being acquired from the Las Vegas Raiders. The former sixth-round pick recorded 52 catches for over 550 yards and a single touchdown reception. He also missed five games due to injuries.
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The former Pro Bowler retired shortly after the season. ... very much making it sound like he simply didn't like football anymore.
After a year off the field, Waller is back - as a member of the Miami Dolphins. In a strange arrangement, New York traded the 32-year-old this week to allow Waller a chance to return to playing at the NFL level.
Waller's retirement and return just highlight how massive some of Giants general manager Joe Schoen's failings during the offseason have been. New York has seen top draft picks be unable to make a positive impact, while acquisitions provide little relief.
It's a big reason the team won just three games last year.
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Waller's trade is a relatively good move for the G-Men, as they will get a little something back for a retired player.
But the deal jumping into the headlines also highlights the whiff of a trade that brought Waller here in the first place, while also exposing just how much work needs to be done here to get this franchise back in shape to truly compete in the NFC East.
And not just for one blip-on-the-radar screen playoff appearance.
Related: Giants' Defensive Line Praised in New Ranking
Related: Analyst Calls Giants 'Best Fit' To Sign 'Spunky' Hero Odell Beckham Jr.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
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