Who Should I Start? Darren Waller or Sam LaPorta

Monday, June 3, 10:01 AM

New York Giants tight end Darren Waller is expected to make a decision on his 2024 playing status by next week's mini-camp, and people in and around the organization expect he will announce his retirement, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN. Waller has had a tough time staying healthy lately, as he's missed 19 games over the last three years with lingering lower-body injuries. The 31-year-old posted consecutive 1,000-yard seasons with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders in 2019 and 2020, but he hasn't reached 700 yards since. If Waller decides to call it a career, target competition for No. 6 overall pick Malik Nabers will be even further reduced. Meanwhile, Daniel Bellinger and rookie Theo Johnson will likely compete for TE1 duties. Either player will have limited upside in Daniel Jones' offense. Whether Waller continues to play or not, his career exceeded expectations considering he was a converted wide receiver and had fewer than 200 receiving yards to his name in the three years before his 2019 breakout season.

Sunday, January 21, 6:44 PM

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta caught nine of his 11 targets for 65 yards in the win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Divisional Round game. LaPorta entered Sunday's contest with a "questionable" tag due to a knee injury he suffered in Week 18, but he ultimately suited up and was clearly good to go. Barring any setbacks with his knee, the rookie from Iowa will remain on the fantasy radar against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. The 49ers allowed the 11th-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends during the regular season, but he's proven to be virtually matchup-proof.