Darren Waller Traded To Giants
Here we go people! Darren Waller has been traded. The New York Giants are acquiring the star tight end from the Las Vegas Raiders. All it costed was a third round pick. Ian Rappoport had the news of the return below:
While injuries have been a concern, you cannot deny Waller’s talent. The former Georgia Tech man established himself as one of the league’s best tight ends when healthy. Since joining the Raiders from Baltimore, Waller has averaged at least 11 yards per reception for each of the last five seasons. He also posted back to back 1100 yard seasons in 2019 and 2020. He even reached the Pro Bowl for grabbing 9 touchdowns and 107 receptions during the 2020 season. It wasn’t, however, smooth sailing in 2022. He only played in nine games, picking up 388 yards and three touchdowns, but had a career-high 13.9 yards per reception.
Is Big Blue Back?
Things are looking up for the Giants as the offseason rolls on. After shocking almost everyone with a 9-7-1 record, they doubled down and knocked out the Minnesota Vikings on the road in the Wild Card game. While the Eagles drubbed them in the following Divisional Game, GM Joe Schoen has arguably upgraded them even more. Waller is the third newest Giant this offseason. Yesterday, New York signed former Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke to a four year, $40 million deal. They also added depth on the defensive line with former Buccaneer Rakeem Nunez-Roches. Rookie Daniel Bellinger is now set to back up Waller in what looks like a very good tight-end department.
The Giants also hold the 26th pick in the draft and some financial flexibility. However, Scheon must also address other in-house free agents. Notably, defensive captain Julian Love and Pro Bowler Dexter Lawrence need new deals. They already brought back Daniel Jones on a four-year deal. Saquon Barkley is currently on a tag for 2023. If they can bring back their vets and have a solid draft, the Giants could be in very good position to build upon their surprising season. Other positions of need for Big Blue include wide receiver, linebacker, and some depth in the secondary and offensive line.
Cashing Out In Vegas?
Once again, the Raiders continue to confuse the NFL community. They replaced Derek Carr with Jimmy Garoppolo under center. They added Jakobi Meyers to their receiving group. But now they lose a weapon in Waller. Even more confusing is that the Green Bay Packers offered a second-round pick for Waller only a few months ago. As the dust settles, it’s safe to say that Raider nation is not happy about it. Look no further than 2022 rushing leader Josh Jacobs:
It must have been a case of the injuries really scaring Vegas. As well, he is signed to a pretty hefty contract for the next few years. But it could work out really well for the Giants. Rather than paying top dollar for a #1 receiver, they add an elite pass-catcher for a much more manageable cost. Eyes will now shift to what the Raiders and Giants do with their remaining dollars and draft picks as the weeks and months go on.
Blockbuster SZN is now truly upon us. The New York Giants picked up one of the best tight ends around in Darren Waller. If he can stay healthy, then it’s possible the NFC East turns into even more of a bloodbath than last year.
