Giants second-year TE unconcerned about role following acquisition of Darren Waller

Tight end Daniel Bellinger, a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, became an unexpected contributor for the New York Giants as a rookie. Despite this, the team upgraded the position this offseason, yet that hasn't caused Bellinger to doubt his role in the offense.

After having the NFL's 27th-ranked passing offense last season, it was clear New York needed a more capable receiving corps so that quarterback Daniel Jones could continue to develop. However, with limited and underwhelming options on the free agent market, the Giants made a blockbuster move by trading for former Raiders tight end Darren Waller. 

Speaking to the media before a recent practice, Bellinger expressed little concern about what his target share should look like now that he's subsequently New York's second-string tight end. 

“I don’t really think of it like that,’’ Bellinger said via the New York Post. “What Darren does opens up for everybody, not just in the tight end room, but in the receiving room and it opens up everything all together. So, I wouldn’t say I think about the targets or the passes or whatever that is.”

"I think of it as just what’s going to help the team the best, what’s going to put us in the best position to win," Bellinger added. "I think Darren does a great job for us and for myself.” 

Bellinger will still have a part to play in 12-personnel formations for New York, and if any coach is qualified to properly manage multiple tight end sets, it's Brian Daboll. The reigning AP NFL Coach of the Year served as New England's tight ends coach for two Super Bowl runs, including the 2016 season when TEs Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett combined for 1,241 yards and 10 touchdowns. 

Last season, Bellinger emerged as a reliable weapon for Jones despite suffering a devastating eye injury in Week 7, which forced him to miss four games. Bellinger, 22, finished the regular season with 30 receptions for 268 yards and two touchdowns, adding another score during his playoff debut against Minnesota. 

While there's plenty of excitement surrounding Waller's arrival, the 30-year-old’s extensive injury history remains a legitimate concern, as he has played just 20 games over the last two seasons. If Waller were to miss time, the Giants are fortunate enough to have a competent backup in Bellinger.

Although if the Giants plan on making another trip to the postseason, they'll need their new tight-end tandem to stay healthy and coincide effectively.