Darren Waller was close to retiring after disappointing first Giants season

INDIANAPOLIS — Darren Waller will return for a second season with the Giants.

Why is this news? Well, following the 2023 season, Waller expressed to individuals in the Giants organization that he was contemplating retirement, sources told the Post.

His first year with the team did not go as planned — he got hurt again and had only one touchdown reception.

It seemed as if the 31-year old tight end might have thought it was time to bid adieu to the NFL. Last year, Waller released his second rap album, “Walking Miracle.’’

Waller is not walking away. A Giants source confirmed Friday that Waller will play for the team in 2024.

He is due to make $10.5 million in base salary this season and count $14 million on the salary cap. He will not be a cap casualty, the Post learned.

The Giants want him back and hope he can stay healthy and be a more robust contributor to the offense than he was in 2023.

The Giants acquired Waller in March 2023, sending a third-round draft pick to the Raiders for what once was an explosive offensive weapon.

In 2019 and 2020, Waller combined for 197 receptions, 2,341 yards and 12 touchdowns.

A series of hamstring issues caused him to miss a total of 14 games in 2021 and 2022 and the Raiders had seen enough.

With the Giants, Waller could not rise above the dysfunction on the offensive line and the revolving door at quarterback.

He strained a hamstring in Week 8 and missed five games. Waller finished the season with 52 catches for 552 yards.

His lone touchdown came in Week 7 against the Commanders, hauling in a 15-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor in a 14-7 victory at MetLife Stadium.

Waller has salary cap hits of $15.4 million in 2025 and $17.4 million in 2026 and it remains to be seen if he ever gets there.

For now, though, the plan is for Waller to run it back with the Giants.