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Giants Sign Waller to Address Tight End Need

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/17/giants-sign-waller-to-address-tight-end-need.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, January 17th 2026 at 21:38 GMT by NY Post

Addressing a Critical Need

Since the departure of Evan Engram following the 2020 season, the Giants have struggled to find a consistent and dynamic presence at the tight end position. While Daniel Bellinger has shown promise, the team has lacked a player capable of consistently stretching the field and providing a reliable receiving threat for quarterback Daniel Jones. Waller, boasting a career average of 13.6 yards per catch, appears poised to fill that void.

Waller's arrival is expected to alleviate some of the pressure on Wan'Dale Robinson, who admirably led the Giants' receiving corps with 63 catches last season. Having a reliable target like Waller should open up more opportunities for Robinson and other receivers, creating a more balanced and unpredictable offensive attack. The Giants' coaching staff is eager to explore new offensive schemes that leverage Waller's skillset, utilizing his size and receiving prowess to create mismatches and generate big plays.

Contract Details and Competition

The financial details of Waller's contract highlight the Giants' commitment. The $23 million average annual value places Waller among the league's highest-paid tight ends, underscoring his perceived value to the team. While the short, two-year deal mitigates some risk considering Waller's injury history, the substantial guaranteed money demonstrates the team's confidence in his potential contribution.

Currently, the Giants' tight end room includes Bellinger, Luke Smith, undrafted rookie Drew Blackford, Tanner Hudson, and Isaiah McKoy. Waller's arrival will undoubtedly create competition at the position, forcing all players to elevate their performance. While Bellinger will likely remain a key contributor, Waller's experience and skillset suggest he'll see significant playing time, especially in passing situations. The remaining tight ends will have an opportunity to prove their worth in blocking and special teams roles.

Waller's Past and Future with the Giants

Coming off a contract expiration with the Las Vegas Raiders, Waller's decision to join the Giants was highly anticipated. His career has been punctuated by both moments of brilliance and frustrating injuries. He demonstrated his potential in 2021, recording 55 receptions for 734 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his ability to be a game-changing playmaker. However, subsequent seasons have been hampered by physical setbacks, causing him to miss a total of 16 games over the last two years.

The Giants' medical staff will undoubtedly prioritize Waller's health and conditioning, implementing a tailored program to ensure he can remain on the field and contribute consistently. His ability to stay healthy will be a crucial factor in the success of this acquisition. The team's fans are hoping that the change of scenery and the Giants' resources will allow Waller to regain his peak form and provide the offensive boost the team desperately needs. The connection between Waller and Jones will be a key focus during training camp and the early part of the season as they work to build rapport and timing.

Looking Ahead

The signing of Darren Waller represents a significant step forward for the New York Giants. It addresses a critical need, provides a dynamic weapon for Daniel Jones, and signals a renewed commitment to offensive improvement. While concerns surrounding his injury history remain, the potential rewards are substantial. The 2026 season promises to be an exciting one for the Giants, and Waller's presence will undoubtedly be a central storyline.