Darren Waller joins Giants as Raiders let go of star TE for shockingly low trade package
The New York Giants are finalizing a trade to acquire superstar tight end Darren Waller from the Las Vegas Raiders for a third-round pick, according to multiple sources.
The Giants are sending the 100th overall pick to the Raiders, the same one they acquired when they shipped wide receiver Kadarius Toney to the Kansas City Chiefs midway through the 2022 season.
Waller, 30, is one of the best tight ends in the NFL. He had two straight 1,000-yard seasons in 2019 and 2020, but injuries hurt some of his numbers in the previous two years. Nevertheless, his talent remains undeniable and a change of scenario might be the perfect thing for him.
The Giants have acquired a fantastic player to improve their offense after extending the contract of quarterback Daniel Jones and using the franchise tag on running back Saquon Barkley. The team suffered with their receiving core in 2022, so adding Waller is a big boost, even if he's a tight end.
What is Darren Waller's contract with the New York Giants?
Due to the extension he signed with the Raiders in 2022, he still has four years under contract with the Giants, but the team does not have to move much money for him after 2023
Darren Waller is under contract for 4 more seasons. Here’s what the Giants owe him:
2023: $11M salary, $200K workout bonus, up to $1.25M in per-game bonuses
2024: $10.525M salary, 200K workout bonus, up to $1.25M in per-game bonuses
2025: $11.525M salary, $200K workout bonus, up… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
After this season, although he is still contracted for three more years, there will be no guaranteed money remaining on his contract, which means that, if they want, New York will be able to release or trade him without a single dollar counting as dead cap.
Since the tight end will be 32 once the 2024 season kicks in, it's understandable why the Raiders - and now the Giants - are not comfortable with guaranteeing him any money, especially as he has had injuries in his previous two seasons. Still, it's nearly impossible for him to see out his contract: if he's not traded or released, there will be a contract restructure.
For now, the best thing for the Giants is that they have acquired a very good player for an affordable price. After handing out a lot of money to Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley, getting Waller with just a third-round pick is excellent business.