Darren Waller inks a new deal with the Oakland Raiders through the 2023 season. The former Wide Receiver turned NFL Tight End is having a breakout season with the Oakland Raiders.
Former Georgia Tech Wide Receiver Darren Waller signed a multi-season deal with the Oakland Raiders on Wednesday worth 9 million dollars a season through the 2023 season. Waller is in the middle of a breakout season with the Raiders and was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year.
The former 6th round pick of the Baltimore Ravens signed with Oakland and their practice squad following a suspension in 2017 for substance abuse. This signing marks the culmination of his comeback that included a suspension in 2016 for a foreign substance and the yearlong ban for his second offense in 2017.
When he signed with Oakland in 2018, Waller became a focus of attention as a potential breakout tight end looking for his way back into football. Over the past two seasons, Waller as emerged from the Raiders practice squad to one of the best tight ends in all of football. So far this season Waller has 39 receptions for for 357 yards midway through the season.
Yellow Jacket fans will most likely remember Waller for his sheer size and strength and ability to jump for passes. The UGA game in 2016 prominently comes to mind when the Jackets were driving to score before the half and Justin Thomas threw a fade to the left side and Waller jumped over his defender to make the catch. He has transformed from receiver to tight end in the NFL which given his size and ability makes sense.