Report: Darren Waller didn’t expect trade to New York Giants
Jun 23, 2023, 12:30 PM
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 14: Tight end Darren Waller #12 of the New York Giants runs a drill during the teams mini camp at Quest Training Center on June 14, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
(Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
In 2022, Darren Waller and the Las Vegas Raiders agreed to a three-year contract extension.
By the spring of 2023, the tight end was traded to the New York Giants for a third-round pick in this year’s draft. The Raiders eventually used that pick on Alabama DT Byron Young.
Waller was back in Las Vegas recently for his 3rd annual Concert To SHINE On, which helps Las Vegas youth navigate through addiction recovery.
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With #Giants TE Darren Waller for NFL+ on the reason behind his jersey No. 12 — “I'm representing people that are in sobriety programs” — the input he’s been able to have as a veteran player and the plan to help this offense pick up more yards through the air this season 👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/MsoOIGUjFa
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 14, 2023
On the red carpet of his foundation’s event, Darren Waller spoke with Adam Hill of the Las Vegas Review-Journal about the move and his reactions, now months removed from when the trade went down.
“Not totally shocked. 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.”
Waller went on to tell Hill he’s got nothing but “great memories” of his time with the Raiders.
“The Raiders have given me an opportunity to turn my life around, take care of my family, do events like this. So I’m just grateful for my memories here.”
The tight end only played in nine games for the Raiders in 2022, limited by injuries throughout the season. Last season, he only caught 28 receptions for 388 yards and three touchdowns. His best years with the Raiders were in 2019 and 2020, where he caught 197 receptions for 2,341 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Waller will visit Las Vegas at least once more in 2023 when his New York Giants travel to Sin City in Week 9 to take on the Raiders.
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