The New York Giants reportedly are finalizing a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders to acquire star tight end Darren Waller, per multiple reports.
With a need to surround newly re-signed quarterback Daniel Jones with as much talent as possible, general manager Joe Schoen appears to be pulling out all of the stops to build a strong passing game.
The compensation for Waller reportedly will be the No. 100 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, which was the pick the Giants received in the Kadarius Toney trade.
Blockbuster: The #Giants are finalizing a trade to acquire star TE Darren Waller from the #Raiders, per sources. pic.twitter.com/bNNGJvIKfI
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 14, 2023
So the #Giants traded a third-round compensatory pick that they received in the Kadarius Toney trade (No. 100 overall) and land the big-time weapon they coveted for newly extended QB Daniel Jones: It's Darren Waller. https://t.co/pGSnt1Nf5F
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 14, 2023
Waller, 30, has dealt with several injuries over the course of the last two seasons, but he provides game-breaking talent as a receiving tight end when he’s on the field.
Though he’s missed 13 games over the last two seasons, Waller’s explosiveness as a receiver will be a welcome addition to the fold. He broke out in 2019 as an elite pass-catching weapon and has averaged 12.1 yards per reception during that time.
His 3,394 receiving yards since the start of the 2019 season are the third-most among tight ends behind only Travis Kelce (5,108) and Mark Andrews (3,761).
Waller is under contract for the next four seasons—through 2026—but has just $8.25 million in guarantees remaining on the deal, and there is no guaranteed money due after the 2023 season.
While the wide receiver position remains a high-priority need, the addition of Waller can alleviate some of those issues if he can stay healthy.
