The Giants are still missing 2 key receivers and the offseason program is accelerating

The New York Giants went through the 2024 OTAs without their top two 2023 receivers in uniform.

Giants tight end Darren Waller and wide receiver Darius Slayton still have not reported for annual spring practices, prompting reporters to ask head coach Brian Daboll about their status ahead of the 2024 campaign.

According to John Fennelly of Giants Wire, Coach Daboll had this to say about Waller's no-show as he mulls retirement:

“I would say the same thing as last month, let Darren take what he needs and once the decision is made we'll go from there,” Daboll said. “We're having conversations, obviously, but when Darren makes his decision, that's what we'll do.”

Giants: Darren Waller's retirement decision will come during final week of OTA

Waller has been mulling retirement for much of the offseason after playing in 12 games last year. A hamstring injury robbed him of five weeks of action. The 31-year-old has faced a multitude of issues throughout his career and noted that he may not be ready for the difficult task of preparing for and participating in an NFL season , because “it requires a lot of things. And if you're not fully engaged in every element of the process, it's going to be difficult.

The Giants expect a decision from Waller by June 1. They have an insurance policy in place with fourth-round pick Theo Johnson set to see time on the TE depth chart.

Giants HC Brian Daboll isn't investing much in Darius Slayton's absence from voluntary OTAs

OTAs are voluntary and primarily a precursor to training camp. Coach Daboll made sure to emphasize the optional nature of these preseason workouts when he also addressed Slayton's absence, saying that “if he wants to be here, great,” and that participation is ultimately the player's prerogative. Slayton is still awaiting a contract extension, as he nears the final year of his two-year, $12 million contract.

Giants passer Brian Burns said during the first media day of OTAs that he doesn't take anything away from his play from the practices other than they are an opportunity to get in shape. The presences of Slayton and Waller, if they occur between now and the conclusion of OTAs on June 7, will be a sign that they will be active for the Giants in 2024 more than anything else.