The brief and unproductive pairing of Darren Waller and the Giants came to an unceremonious and predictable end when the erstwhile tight end did what was expected and informed the team of his retirement from the NFL on Sunday, Paul Schwartz of The New York Post confirmed.

Thus ends a one-season stay for Waller with the Giants, an interlude that was entirely forgettable.

He was supposed to be a big-play weapon in the passing game but the Giants in 2023 were inept in that department and Waller could not rise above the dysfunction his team put on the field.

Waller, 31, alerted the Giants months ago that he was considering leaving the game.

He stayed away from the offseason workout program this spring and was nowhere to be seen for the 10 organized team activity practices. That work was all voluntary, although the Giants had strong attendance, with every player taking part in some or most of the activities.

With the arrival on Tuesday of the two-day mandatory minicamp, Waller felt the time was right to inform the Giants of a decision the front office and coaching staff anticipated would lead to a parting of the ways.

“We have great respect for Darren as a person and player,” the Giants said in a statement. “We wish him nothing but the best.”

Walking away comes with considerable financial loss for Waller, who forfeits his $10.5 million in salary for the 2024 season. Waller was signed through the 2026 season.

His exit allows the Giants to gain $11.6 million on the salary cap, absorbing a dead-money hit of $2.5 million.

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