NFL’s Most Overrated/Underrated Players: Darren Waller
When the Raiders signed Darren Waller to a three-year, $51 million extension, it was clear that they expected big things from him. This extension came after they signed him to a five-year deal in 2019. So, it was obvious that the Raiders expected big things from him come the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
But ever since singing that extension, Waller has looked like a shell of his former self and has Raiders fans wondering if he was paid too much, too early.
Waller made a name for himself after his breakout season in 2019, which saw him tally 1145 yards on 90 catches and quickly become the focal point of that Raiders offense. In 2020 he saw similar success, totaling 1196 yards on 107 catches to pair with nine touchdowns, all while becoming one of Derek Carr‘s favorite targets.
But after emerging as a premier tight end, 2021 and 2022 — so far — have left a lot to be desired. Now, I know he’s dealt with injuries like many other players in this league. But I’m of the mindset that the best ability is availability and if you can’t stay healthy on a consistent basis, what value are you really bringing?
Last year was a prime example of this. When Waller was playing, he was producing at an elite level. He just struggled to consistently stay on the field and seemed like he was always dealing with some nagging injury. However, the more concerning part with this season is not only the injuries but the lack of production.
In years’ past, even while missing time, Waller was still able to show why he’s an elite tight end. But through five games this season, Waller has been anything but that, having amassed just 16 catches for 165 yards and one touchdown. This puts him at only 35 yards per game, well below the usual production that fans have come to expect.
The worst of it came in the Raiders game vs. the Cardinals. In that game, Waller had some key drops including one in the end zone and one on a 50-yard catch. Both of these drops were crucial for a Raiders team that was in critical need of offense. But even aside from that game, Waller seems off his game. It could be a result of compiled injuries of defenses finally figuring out how to contain him. But whatever it may be, Raiders fans are hoping it gets figured out soon.
Waller definitely still has time to figure it out this year. But for a Raiders team that seems to be in disarray amidst a 1-4 start, the emergence of their once-dominant tight end could be the spark they need to make a run at one of the three wild-card spots. Waller and the Raiders are aided by an easy stretch of games which should help him find his rhythm. But if he’s not able to find his stride, I think it’ll be safe to say that he’s not the worth the money he’s making.
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