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The New York Giants added a huge piece to their offense by trading for Darren Waller on Tuesday, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network.
New York sent a third-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for the one-time Pro Bowler, per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
The deal helps give the Giants a legitimate weapon downfield, especially helping young quarterback Daniel Jones after his own four-year, $160 million deal. While some fans were lukewarm about the Jones deal, almost everyone was impressed by the Giants’ latest addition:
MLB, NBA and NFL Rumors/News @mets_bio
Darren Waller gives the #Giants a dynamic weapon on the receiving side of the ball that they have not had since OBJ. Great drive from New York.
ïitzy @Ritzyizzo
Grabbing Waller was a HUGE W for them @Giants
Jason McIntyre @jasonrmcintyre
WOW
Giants, home runs. Waller was nearly traded to the Packers last year https://t.co/22fq1bf2ZI
Joe Padorno @JoePantorno
Absolutely MASSIVE deal for them #Giants to get Darren Waller — and a huge target/security blanket to partner with Daniel Jones for years to come.
Craig Hoffman @Craig Hoffman
Biiiiiiig swing from the Giants. Waller was over 1100 yards in 2019 and 2020. He’s battled injuries since then, but he’s an absolute monster when healthy. https://t.co/UwZq3DdTqo
Kevin Bank @KevinBunk1
Great move by Joe Schoen. Low risk due to Waller’s poor year last year. Upside down when healthy is huge. Big weapon for Jones and with 2 promising TEs, the pressure to get a WR1 is much less. #Giants https://t.co/zyzVZDYJuL
Nick Collinson @NickACollinson
Waller to the Giants is a great pick #NFL
Robert Picciotti @rjpisciotti59
Giants take Waller for a 3rd round pick.. great move in my mind.. just another weapon for Jones.. #Giants
Waller had back-to-back 1,100-yard seasons in 2019 and ’20, though injuries have slowed him the last two years. At his best, he’s still one of the top pass rushers in the NFL.
His presence should provide a major boost to a Giants offense that didn’t have anyone with over 800 receiving yards last year. With Darius Slayton and Richie James both free agents, the team has no returning players with over 400 receiving yards last year.
That limited production for Jones, who threw just 15 touchdowns in 2022 despite improved efficiency and a career-best 92.5 passer rating.
Fans see the latest trade as a big move to help Jones take the next step as a franchise quarterback.