Darren Waller’s 2022 season ended in disappointment as he struggled to stay healthy and on the field for the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Raiders were looking forward to a dynamic pass-catching corps headlined by Davante Adams and Waller, though the two never got much of a chance to hit the ground running. Waller appeared in nine games for Las Vegas, starting six of them though he only managed 28 receptions and three touchdowns.
Despite the lackluster season, most were still surprised when the Raiders decided to ship Waller out to the New York Giants in exchange for a third-round pick. While some didn’t expect the move, the tight end revealed he wasn’t caught off guard via Adam Hill of Las Vegas Review-Journal:
“Not totally shocked,” Waller said on the red carpet of his foundation’s event at Aria on Thursday night of his immediate reaction when he learned of the move. “I had heard some things. There were different moments throughout the year that I heard I may be traded or I may not. So the actual event of it wasn’t too shocking.
“But I didn’t expect it to be the Giants.”
So far, Waller has been drawing rave reviews in the offseason, and he has been enjoying the time with his new team:
“It’s been great,” he said. “It’s been a great challenge. I love a good challenge and just forming a new relationship with my teammates. They’re really excited about winning. They’re really solid about doing things the right way and continuing to build a foundation on what they started last year. I’m just excited to be a part of it.”
Moving on from Waller had to hurt for the Silver and Black faithful because of his story and what he meant to the franchise. However, it also marked the start of a new era at the position as Las Vegas drafted Michael Mayer who was widely considered to be the best tight end prospect in his class.
Waller will get a chance to prove the Raiders were wrong for moving him when they face off in Week 9 of the 2023 season.
Michael Mayer believes he can do it all on football field
Mayer will serve as Waller’s successor, and the impressive rookie should be penciled in for a sizable role off the bat. He doesn’t lack any confidence as he already believes that he can do it all on the field at the professional level.
