Giants’ tight end unit could be in line for another major change

The New York Giants are awaiting an official announcement from veteran tight end Darren Waller regarding his potential retirement. Waller has been taking time to resolve personal matters before finalizing his decision, leaving a slight possibility that he might continue playing in 2024.

Uncertainty Around Darren Waller’s Future with the Giants

However, expectations lean towards Waller’s departure, which would leave the Giants with two primary tight ends and several depth pieces competing for roster spots. Daniel Bellinger, despite being underutilized in the passing game last season, is secured in one of the primary slots. Looking ahead, the Giants are expected to involve him more actively in their offensive strategies. Additionally, rookie Theo Johnson is likely to receive an increased share of targets.

Selected in the 4th round of the draft, Theo Johnson possesses a formidable stature at 6’6″ and 264 pounds, ideal for a tight end. His last season at Penn State was productive, with 341 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, particularly demonstrating his effectiveness in the red zone.

Theo Johnson’s Potential Impact

Johnson achieved a 75.6% reception rate last season, with 38.1% of his snaps coming from the slot and 48.1% in line. Of his 341 total yards, 170 were after the catch, averaging 5 yards per reception in that category. His impressive speed was highlighted at the combine, where he ran a 4.57-second 40-yard dash, ranking second in athleticism score according to Next Gen Stats. NFL.com has projected him as a potential starter, aligning with the Giants’ hopes for his development.