The recent trade of Darren Waller from the Las Vegas Raiders to the New York Giants for a 2022 fifth-round draft pick has raised eyebrows among NFL fans and experts alike. Waller, a two-time Pro Bowler and one of the league’s most talented tight ends, was expected to be a cornerstone of the Raiders’ offense for years to come. However, the team’s decision to move him to the Giants in exchange for a mid-to-late round draft pick has left many wondering whether it was the right move.
Grading Darren Waller trade from Raiders to Giants for draft pick
The Giants have made a big move in their pursuit of offensive help, trading for 29-year-old tight end Darren Waller from the Las Vegas Raiders.
The deal sees the Giants give up a mid-round draft pick in exchange for the talented tight end who caught 107 passes for 1,196 yards last season.
So, what does this trade mean for the Giants, and what can they expect from Waller? Let’s take a look at this deal and grade it from both sides.
The Raiders’ perspective
The Raiders’ decision to trade a highly productive player like Waller certainly raised some eyebrows. Waller was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing 2020 season for Las Vegas, and he had quickly become one of the league’s premier tight ends.
However, the Raiders may have been in a difficult position when it came to Waller’s contract. He is set to become a free agent after the 2023 season, and his impressive performance over the last couple of years likely put him in line for a significant pay raise.
Trading Waller now not only gives the Raiders a mid-round draft pick that they can use to help rebuild their roster, but it also allows them to shed his hefty contract and avoid a potential bidding war when it comes time to negotiate an extension.
Overall, the Raiders’ decision to trade Waller seems to be a smart business move, even if it does leave them with a sizeable void at the tight end position.
Grade: B+
The Giants’ perspective
For the Giants, this trade is a clear win. They lacked a true difference-maker at the tight end position, and acquiring Waller gives them just that.
Waller is a true mismatch nightmare for opposing defenses. He has the speed and size to beat almost anyone in coverage, and his ability to find holes in coverage makes him a reliable target for quarterback Daniel Jones.
Waller’s presence should also help open up the field for the Giants’ other offensive weapons. With defenses likely to commit extra resources to stopping Waller, players like Saquon Barkley and Sterling Shepard should find more space to operate.
While the price of a mid-round draft pick may seem steep, it’s a small price to pay for a player of Waller’s caliber.
Overall, this trade represents a significant improvement for the Giants’ offense and should give them a much-needed boost in 2021.
Grade: A
Conclusion
Overall, the Darren Waller trade is a move that benefits both the Raiders and the Giants. The Raiders get a valuable draft pick and shed a big contract, while the Giants acquire one of the league’s top tight ends and add a much-needed weapon to their offense.
However, when grading this trade, it’s clear that the Giants come out on top. Waller’s impact on their offense should be significant, and the price they paid for him was reasonable.
If Waller can maintain even close to the level of production he displayed in 2020, the Giants are in for a big season. They finally have a weapons-grade tight end to unleash on defenses, which should translate to more points on the board and more wins in the standings.
