The Las Vegas Raiders are going to look a lot different in 2023 than they did during the 2022 season on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Derek Carr is all but gone from the team, but he is far from the only change that could occur.
Running back Josh Jacobs is hitting free agency after a career season in which he earned an All-Pro and Pro Bowl nomination. There are also reports that the Raiders could look to trade wide receiver Hunter Renfrow or tight end Darren Waller.
Both players were derailed by injuries during the 2022 season, appearing in 10 and nine games, respectively. This came after both players received extensions during the offseason. Darren Waller’s in particular, raised a lot of eyebrows as he became the highest-paid tight end in the NFL with his three-year, $51 million pact.
Before signing that deal, the Green Bay Packers tried making a trade for him. They asked for him to be included in the Davante Adams trade negotiations and again ahead of the trade deadline. Before the deadline, Green Bay offered a second-round pick for the dynamic tight end but was turned away.
Their stance has seemingly changed, as they are open to making a deal. Being able to get a similar offer now is reportedly one of the reasons that the Raiders didn’t trade Darren Waller during the season as they had hopes of still making a playoff run.
If Darren Waller is indeed available, there are a few teams that could enter the fray. One team to keep an eye on would be the New York Giants. Big Blue shocked everyone by making the postseason and winning a playoff game in the first season with general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll, but there is no doubt that they need to upgrade the talent on the roster this offseason.
Finding some weapons for Daniel Jones is a must and Dallen Waller would be a difference-maker in the passing game. Rookie tight end Daniel Bellinger had a great season, all things considered, but he is not the receiving threat that Darren Waller is capable of being.
Despite playing in only nine games, Darren Waller’s 28 receptions, 338 yards and three touchdowns would have ranked near the top of the Giants. He’d have been sixth in receptions, third in yards and third in touchdowns scored to put into perspective how unimposing their passing game was.
New York checked in on some trades before the deadline but ultimately opted to stay put. This offseason they should be aggressive in seeking out upgrades to help take this offense to another level. Top-of-the-line wide receiver talent would almost assuredly cost the Giants their first-round pick; if Waller can be had for a second still, it is something they should seriously consider pulling the trigger on.
