Darren Waller trade to Giants

March 15, 2023

Hunter Macias

The Las Vegas Raiders made another major move Tuesday by sending Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller to the New York Giants for the No. 100 pick in the draft, at the end of the third round.

Trades

Darren Waller traded to Giants

In a surprising move, the Las Vegas Raiders have traded Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller to the New York Giants for the No. 100 pick in the draft. This trade has raised some questions and concerns among fans and experts alike.

What is Happening in Vegas

The Raiders paid a significant amount of money to keep Waller on their team, along with several other key players including quarterback Derek Carr, defensive end Maxx Crosby, and slot receiver Hunter Renfrow. These players were supposed to form the core of a Super Bowl-winning team, but now Waller and Carr are no longer Raiders, and Renfrow's future with the team is uncertain. This raises questions about the Raiders' long-term strategy and whether they are truly committed to building a winning team. Furthermore, the trade of Waller leaves a significant gap in the Raiders' offense, particularly at the tight end position. Jesper Horsted, the only remaining tight end on the roster, has just 13 career catches and is not a top-tier starter like Waller. The Raiders may look to bring back Foster Moreau, but money has been an issue in negotiations, and there are also reports that they are interested in veteran blocking tight end Marcedes Lewis. Regardless, it is clear that the Raiders have significant needs at the tight end position and will need to address them in the upcoming draft or free agency.

Bad look for McDaniels

Although there were rumors that Waller was on the trade block, Raiders coach Josh McDaniels had denied them just two weeks ago.

The fact that Waller has now been traded has also left some teammates unhappy.

While Waller's age and recent injury history may have made the trade somewhat understandable, he was a key player for the Raiders and had a special impact on the team and the Las Vegas community. His departure leaves the Raiders with work to do to improve their offense, defense, and now the tight end position. The Giants on the other hand are getting a talented player in Waller who can make an immediate impact on their offense. With Waller, the Giants now have a formidable trio of offensive weapons in Waller, wide receiver Kenny Golladay, and running back Saquon Barkley. This gives the Giants a much-needed boost in their pursuit of becoming a major factor in the NFC. Another factor to consider is the impact of the trade on the Raiders' salary cap. By trading Waller, the Raiders will save $11.4 million in salary-cap room, which they can use to address their needs on the offensive line and defense. However, they will also need to find a replacement for Waller, which will likely come at a cost.

The Silver & Black Lining

Despite the loss of Waller, the Raiders now have an NFL-best 12 draft picks, including four picks in the first two days of the draft, which could help them address their many needs. However, losing a talent like Waller is a big price to pay. Only time will tell whether this was a smart move by Dave Ziegler and Josh McDaniels.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the trade of Darren Waller from the Las Vegas Raiders to the New York Giants is a significant move that will have an impact on both teams. While the Giants are getting a talented player who can help them become a major player in the NFC, the Raiders are losing a key offensive weapon and will need to address their needs at the tight end position. Additionally, the trade raises questions about the Raiders' long-term strategy and whether they are truly committed to building a winning team. Only time will tell how this trade will play out, but it is certainly one to watch as the NFL offseason continues.

So, there you have it - another major move by the Raiders. With Waller out the door, the Raiders will now look to the draft to find their replacement. As always, thank you for reading and stay tuned for more updates and insights on the Las Vegas Raiders. Leave a comment below about your thoughts on the Raiders decision to trade Darren Waller.