While most of the buzz around the NFL is related to the upcoming draft, a report recently surfaced regarding what would be another sizeable trade seeing a Pro Bowler on the move. Aaron Nagler of CheeseHead TV wrote earlier this week that the Packers and Raiders were in discussion on a trade involving tight end Darren Waller. 
When referencing the report, ESPN’s Matt Miller added that Waller “was being shopped due to age and expected cost” previously (Twitter link). That would seem to open the door to Vegas dealing the 29-year-old, who has two years remaining on an extension he signed in 2019. He is due $6.25MM in each season, with slightly higher cap hits. None of that money is guaranteed, however.
A swap involving the Raiders and Packers would, of course, be the second notable one of the offseason. But it is in large part because of Vegas’ acquisition of Davante Adams that Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal wrote “they have no desire to part ways with [Waller]”. The price – both in terms of draft capital and the financial commitment of a lucrative extension – the Raiders paid to add the ex-Packers star would indeed make any thought of moving Waller rather puzzling.
Bonsignore added that while Waller is on a below-market deal relative to his production (including two straight 1,100 yard seasons in 2019 and 2020), the team’s decisions on an extension or any possible trade if terms can’t be agreed upon “appear [to be] at least a year away”. Recently re-signed quarterback Derek Carr added (on Twitter) further rejection to the notion of Waller playing anywhere but in Vegas this upcoming season.
For what it’s worth, Waller doesn’t believe he’ll be moved. During an appearance on The Zach Gelb Show, the tight end said he was told by the organization that he’s staying put.
“They said that’s not a thing that’s happening and there’s no trade that’s going to happen,” Waller said (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Twitter).
The Raiders will be waiting until the third round of the draft to make their first selection, as a result of the Adams deal. In the meantime, this storyline could be one to watch during the weekend.
Nagler is full of crap.
Musical pass catchers
Someone is actually taking “CheeseHead TV” seriously? I’m at a loss for words.
Nagler offers as much insight as commenters on this site
Not going to comment on other commenters, but I love your handle. Well played! I’m not sure how many people here get the reference.
Please disburse! Nothing to see here!
C’mon people…it’s the Raiders. Anything that doesn’t make sense to other teams makes perfect sense to the Raiders
Waller is now moving to long snapper
Signing your QB to a huge extension while trading away his favorite target makes sense to the packers at least
Couldn’t afford said target….this thing called the salary cap exists.
I think GBs track record is just a wee bit better than that of the Raiders. Want to pay a WR for past performance? Vegas just did. Dumb.
Right because Adams wasn’t just a top 3 WR last season. Lol
I doubt he ever gets moved. His recovery and success came from the Raiders. I just don’t think he takes things for granted and is jonesing to be the highest paid TE.
He kinda looks like Man-Bat in this pic
Raiders should keep Waller
He is a fan favorite and his rough and tumble past make him a perfect Raider
Plus, he is really good
Whatever happened to once a Raider, a Raider for life
I’m guessing management that was out of touch, and then they couldn’t help but release players that were extremely bad busts because they became enamored with 40 times and combine results WAAY TOO OFTEN!!
Possibly, but still the raiders lost their way a bit
I’d bring him back to Baltimore for a fourth, maybe a third, round pick.
Andrews, Walker, Bateman and Brown has a nice ring to it.
They would still have Lamar throwing to them, so really, what’s the point?
its funny because its true.
Hahahaahaha. Right!
Point granted, but Jackson has always loved tight ends, so it’s not that bad. Thing is, Waller is not a blocker and would cost more than a third round pick, both of which would be negatives for the Ravens (who already have a good starting tight end).
Waller. (Always monitor the spell check)
The Packers Wish!!
About half the league would love to have Darren Waller.
This is the most dominant and under utilized TE perhaps of all time. A back big enough to carry a team. I see this guy excelling with an elite vision QB. Carr is good. But misses op. Oddly enough. Carson wentz would benefit the most from this guy. Besides Brady. But raiders are dumb enough to keep but not smart enough to use.
He’s EH without the murder.
1. Carson Wentz is not a better QB than Derek Carr. Calling him an “elite vision QB” is nonsense. Wentz has been the starting QB for two NFL franchises, and both traded him away. Nobody trades an elite starting QB.
2. Waller was the Raiders’ leading receiver in 2019 and 2020, with over 1,000 yards receiving both years. He missed several games due to injury last year, or he would have likely gone over 1,000 yards then as well. He’s caught more passes in the past three seasons than any other Raider receiver. He’s not underutilized at all, let alone “the most underutilized TE, perhaps of all time”. Part of the reason the Raiders drafted Henry Ruggs was to help open up opposing defenses underneath, which gave Waller even more room and opportunities. He also now has a HC and playcaller that excels in getting the ball to his TEs. His situation in Vegas is exactly the opposite of what you’re claiming.
I don’t agree with you.
It seems the NFL does, however. Wentz will be on his third team in three years this season and has been (deliberately) replaced on his former teams by the likes of Jalen Hurts and soon-to-be 37 year old Matt Ryan. He’s 29 years old, and there wasn’t exactly a bidding war for him when Indy decided to move on That doesn’t happen in a QB driven league unless there’s a problem.
I don’t agree. But thanks for the view of your opinion.
Wentz has elite downfield vision. Car is mono locked. Tunnel vision qb. It’s not bad. But it’s why raiders are non contenders. I never stated if wentz is better qb than Car. My opinion is they both could be better. I didn’t spell chec this