Darren Waller retires: How fantasy football TE spot changes

Once upon a time, Darren Waller was a dominant fantasy tight end for the Las Vegas Raiders, averaging 98.5 receptions, 1,170.5 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns during the 2019 and 2020 seasons. The Raiders, and fantasy managers, loved him. Waller’s emergence was inspiring for many, as he became a signature NFL player and Pro Bowler coveted by fantasy managers. The future looked bright.

Waller was not that player over the past three seasons, supplying ordinary statistics as he battled hamstring injuries, and many fantasy managers will barely notice his recent retirement. One could blame the inadequate offenses he played in as a Raider and later with the New York Giants, but ultimately, Waller simply underperformed statistically since 2021. Overeager hopes and his lingering reputation made Waller a top-10 tight end in 2023 average live drafts, but fantasy managers were rewarded with barely four receptions per game, only 10 yards per catch and a lone touchdown.

Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez in his prime might have had difficulty thriving in the current Giants offense, so fantasy managers should not get too excited about the tight ends left behind, notably veteran blocker Daniel Bellinger and young Theo Johnson, a fourth-round pick in the recent NFL draft from Penn State. Quarterback Daniel Jones has his own issues, staying upright and throwing the football with accuracy down the field among them. Let’s just say this offense is a work in progress for this season.

ESPN’s Fantasy crew initially ranked Waller among the top 20 at tight end, not because anyone was expecting a stunning return to statistical prominence, but more due to the deficiency of the position. We can find a few more than 10 tight ends to rely on for drafts, but not many more. Waller had a place in drafts, but ultimately, if he was likely to disappoint yet again, perhaps his retirement performs a service for fantasy managers. Look elsewhere. We’ll always have those amazing 2019-20 seasons, but that was about it. Smile because it happened.