The new regime in Las Vegas consisting of head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler continues to clear out players from the Jon Gruden era.
The Raiders announced Tuesday, March 14, 2023, that tight end Darren Waller has been traded to the New York Giants for a third-round pick (pick no. 100 overall, specifically)
Blockbuster: The #Giants are finalizing a trade to acquire star TE Darren Waller from the #Raiders, per sources. pic.twitter.com/bNNGJvIKfI
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 14, 2023
Darren Waller a Raiders fan favorite from Oakland to Las Vegas
Pro Bowler Darren Waller came to the then-Oakland Raiders in 2018, and in the 2019 and 2020 seasons, he logged back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and hauled in 12 touchdowns combined. In the last two seasons, Waller sustained injuries preventing him from playing a full season and missed 14 of the last 34 games.
Waller was a fan favorite in Oakland/Las Vegas after he publicized his struggle with addiction but remained sober with the welcome distractions of music and football. Waller was part of the conversation when it came to debating about who was amongst the top tight ends in the league. Waller’s name was listed as a top tight end among other excellent players at his position including Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Mark Andrews.
The Green Bay Packers allegedly offered the Raiders a 2nd round pick for Waller but the offer was declined. Recently McDaniels made public statements that indicated Waller was going to be a part of the Raiders’ future.
"I think Darren — I know Darren fought through a lot of injuries and those types of things last year,” McDaniels said at the NFL Combine last Tuesday, Feb. 28. “But I have a great deal of confidence in Darren Waller. I felt like he ended the season the right way, really playing well. Still, you know, fast, explosive, great teammate, very smart. And he’ll be a big part of what we’re going to do going forward."
Since McDaniels made that statement at the NFL Combine there were rumors that Waller was not pleased with McDaniels for leaking information about Waller’s upcoming wedding.
Waller was upset with McDaniels when the Las Vegas Review-Journal posted a story announcing the wedding was scheduled later in the week. The couple had not publicly announced their plans to get married.
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) March 14, 2023
Patriots takeover in Las Vegas
Whether Waller’s issues with McDaniels had anything to do with the trade the issue now stands that the Raiders’ offense is changing rapidly. The Raiders recently signed former New England Patriot slot receiver Jakobi Meyers which has called Hunter Renfrow’s position into question. McDaniels also shocked Raiders fans by signing former Patriot/49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to replace Derek Carr.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau is testing the waters in free agency therefore the Raiders only remaining tight end on the roster is Jesper Horsted. The Raiders will likely either look to the tight end-loaded NFL Draft for a replacement or seek out a cheaper free agent. Trading Waller resulted in a dead cap hit of only $660 thousand dollars, although there was a potential out in 2024 where Waller’s dead cap hit would have been $0 dollars.
Waller, standing at 6’6 weighing 258 pounds, may not be the best blocking tight end in the league but if healthy he can be one of the best receiving tight ends available. Waller will be a large and effective target for Giants quarterback Daniel Jones. Waller should thrive in the Meadowlands with his new head coach Brian Daboll who appears determined to get the best out of his players. Raider Nation will miss Waller but his success story will simply continue elsewhere.
Meanwhile, the Patriot Way continues to make its mark in Las Vegas.