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In a stunning move that is sure to shake up the NFL, the Las Vegas Raiders have traded star tight end Darren Waller to the New York Giants. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the deal will see Waller head to the Giants in exchange for a third-round draft pick.
Although the trade cannot become official until the start of the league year tomorrow, both sides have already agreed to the terms. The pick the Raiders will receive is No. 100 overall, the compensatory pick that the Giants received from the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for Kadarius Toney.
Waller has been one of the league’s premier tight ends in recent years, with back-to-back 1,100-yard seasons in 2019 and 2020. However, injuries limited him to just 11 games in 2021 and nine games in 2022. His $12 million salary cap hit this season may have also played a role in the Raiders’ decision to move on.
Meanwhile, the Giants are looking to build on the progress made last season with franchise quarterback Daniel Jones at the helm. With Waller now added to their offense, the team is hoping to take a big step forward in 2023.
This trade is sure to have significant implications for both teams as they look to improve their fortunes in the upcoming season. Only time will tell if this move will pay off for the Giants, but it is clear that they are making a bold statement with this acquisition.