While most of the excitement surrounding the NFL is related to the upcoming draft, a report surfaced recently of another sizeable trade that would see a Pro Bowler on the move. CheeseHead TV’s Aaron Nagler wrote earlier this week that the Packers and Raiders were discussing a tight end trade Darren Waller. 
Referring to the report, ESPN’s Matt Miller added that Waller was previously “shopped in based on age and expected cost” (Twitter shortcut). That seems to open the door to Vegas to treat the 29-year-old, who has two years left on an extension he signed in 2019. He’s due $6.25 million each season, with slightly higher cap hits. However, none of these funds are guaranteed.
Of course, a trade between the Raiders and Packers would be the second notable one of the offseason. But it’s due in large part to the Vegas acquisition Davante Adams that Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal wrote: “They don’t want to break up [Waller]“. The price – both in terms of draft capital and the financial commitment of a lucrative extension – that the Raiders paid to add the ex-Packers star would indeed render any thought of a Waller move fairly puzzling.
Bonsignore added that while Waller is on a below-market deal in terms of his production (including two straight 1,100-yard seasons in 2019 and 2020), the team’s decisions about an extension or a potential trade if the conditions don’t can be agreed, “appear”. [to be] at least a year away.” Recently signed quarterback Derek Carr added to Twitter) further rejecting the idea of Waller playing anywhere other than Vegas for the upcoming season.
For what it’s worth, Waller doesn’t think he’ll be transferred. During an appearance on The Zach Gelb Show, the tight end said he was told by the organization he was staying there.
“They said that’s not happening and there’s not going to be a trade,” Waller said (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Twitter).
The Raiders will wait until the third round of the draft to make their first pick due to the Adams deal. In the meantime, this story could be seen over the weekend.