National media outlet harsh on Raiders for trading Darren Waller
In one of the most surprising moves of the offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders traded away their star Darren Waller for what feels cheap.
The Las Vegas Raiders didn't waste time moving on from Darren Waller.
Following what can best be described as a down year, Waller was traded to the New York Giants for pick No. 100. It has been rumored that the Raiders would move on from Waller, but the haul Las Vegas received in return was relatively light. So, it is no surprise that the national media didn't look at the trade favorably.
Las Vegas was able to save roughly $11 million by trading Waller. But receiving only pick 100 for an elite-level tight end is disappointing.
Pro Football Focus gave Las Vegas a grade of “C-plus” for the trade, citing the cap reasons behind the move:
"The Raiders deserve some credit for ensuring Waller’s extension signed last offseason did not preclude a trade for a player they’ve explored moving on multiple occasions, but after signing Jimmy Garoppolo, you immediately get rid of a difference-making weapon."
The trade would have made more rational sense if the Raiders had a viable tight end option on the roster. Foster Moreau still sits on the open market. And bringing him back may prove more complicated than initially believed.
In the end, the front office saves a quick buck in moving Waller. But it appears that the move was made before a backup plan was conceived. Until the Raiders bring in a quality tight end replacement, a C grade seems more gracious than it should be.
