Home » Controversial Trade: Giants Acquire Raiders’ Star TE Darren Waller Despite Josh Jacobs’ Objections

Controversial Trade: Giants Acquire Raiders’ Star TE Darren Waller Despite Josh Jacobs’ Objections

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The New York Giants have made a trade to bolster their offense by acquiring Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a third-round draft pick. The Giants see the move as a long-term solution since Waller signed a $51 million extension in 2022 and is under contract through the 2026 NFL season.

Darren Waller’s Performance and the Trade

Waller, 30, had an injury-riddled 2022 season, catching 28 passes for 388 yards and three touchdowns. However, he made the Pro Bowl in 2020 and has emerged as a playmaking threat since joining the Raiders in 2018. In that season, he caught 90 passes for 1,145 yards and three touchdowns. He was even better in 2020, catching 107 passes for 1,196 yards and nine touchdowns, earning him his first Pro Bowl selection.

The Giants view Waller as a big-play receiver who can make a significant impact on their offense. His size, speed, and athleticism make him a tough matchup for defenses, and his ability to stretch the field will give quarterback Daniel Jones more options in the passing game.

The Raiders, meanwhile, receive a third-round draft pick in exchange for Waller, a player they could not afford to keep given their salary cap situation. The move was not welcomed by all Raiders players, with running back Josh Jacobs expressing his sadness on Twitter shortly after the trade was reported.

Waller’s Journey to the NFL

Waller’s journey to the NFL has been a tumultuous one. The Baltimore Ravens originally drafted him in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, but he failed to establish himself with the team. The league’s substance abuse policy suspended him multiple times, and his drug and alcohol addiction caused him to miss the entire 2017 season. During that time, he went to rehab and got sober.

Waller returned to the NFL in 2018 with the Raiders and has since become one of the league’s top tight ends. Despite his recent injury issues, Waller is still considered a valuable asset for any team looking for a big-play receiver.

Waller’s Offseason

In addition to the trade, Waller experienced an eventful offseason as he married Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum in early March. Later that day, Plum made a joke on Twitter, suggesting that the reason behind Waller’s trade was due to their failure to invite Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels to their wedding.

Acquisition of Darren Waller

The New York Giants have made a significant move to strengthen their offense by acquiring Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller from the Las Vegas Raiders. Waller’s size, speed, and athleticism make him a tough matchup for defenses, and his ability to stretch the field will give quarterback Daniel Jones more options in the passing game. Despite recent injury issues, Waller is still considered a valuable asset for any team looking for a big-play receiver.

Darren Waller Trade: The Missing Piece to the Giants’ Playoff Puzzle

After exceeding expectations and making their first playoff appearance since 2016, the New York Giants are looking to build on their success in the upcoming 2023 NFL season. One key addition to their roster is Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller, whom they acquired from the Las Vegas Raiders for a third-round draft pick.

Improved Offense

Waller immediately upgrades the Giants’ pass-catching weapons, which will benefit quarterback Daniel Jones. In 2022, Jones posted the best passer rating of his career and threw interceptions less often than any other quarterback in the league. He also showcased a dual-threat ability, rushing for 708 yards and seven touchdowns.

With Waller on board, Jones will have another talented target to throw to, and defenses will have to account for him, opening up opportunities for other players. Running back Saquon Barkley, who rushed for 1,308 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022, will also benefit from Waller’s presence.

Continuity and Long-Term Planning

To ensure they have both players for at least the next season, the Giants negotiated Jones’ contract in time to place the franchise tag on Barkley. While Jones’ guarantees dissolve after two seasons, Barkley’s tag is good for one unless the team reaches a long-term deal before the league’s July 17 deadline. The Giants are committed to building a successful team for the long haul.

The Giants could have let Barkley walk and relied solely on Jones, but they recognized the value of having a player of Barkley’s caliber on the team. Instead of mortgaging their long-term future, they made a smart move by trading for Waller.

Cost-Effective Solution

The Giants were able to acquire Waller for a relatively low price, giving up only a third-round draft pick. They will pay him between $10 million and $12 million each of the next three years if he stays healthy enough to warrant it, which is a more reasonable number than the $17 million average that the Raiders signed him for last training camp.

Furthermore, if Waller is unable to overcome his recent injuries, the Giants can cut him after the 2023 season without any financial penalties. This flexibility gives them assurance that they will not be committed to a player who does not meet their expectations.

Conclusion

The addition of Darren Waller makes the New York Giants a more formidable team in the upcoming 2023 NFL season. With improved pass-catching weapons, Daniel Jones will have more options on offense, and Saquon Barkley will be even more dangerous. The Giants’ commitment to long-term planning and cost-effective solutions is also commendable, and the acquisition of Waller is a smart move that could pay off in a big way.

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