Oakland Raiders should look towards extending Darren Waller

The Oakland Raiders have found a hidden gem with the emergence of Darren Waller, so should they give him a contract extension now?

To begin training camp in Napa, California the Oakland Raiders were without tight end Jared Cook for the first time since 2016. At the time it looked as if it would be a daunting task, but Jon Gruden and the coaching staff believed they were in good company with Darren Waller.

Since then, the Raiders have caught lightning in a bottle with Waller. He’s been the team’s most consistent pass catcher, and his connection with Derek Carr looks as if they’ve been working together for years.

Waller was an interesting find by the Raiders, as offensive coordinator Greg Olson saw Waller flash before his eyes last season when they were facing the Baltimore Ravens. Waller was on Baltimore’s practice squad, but Olson liked what he saw from Waller during pre-game warm ups from the opposing sideline, and days later Waller became a member of the Oakland Raiders.

Waller looks like he can be a foundational piece for the Raiders organization as they transition into their new home of Las Vegas, Nevada. So is now the time to offer the young tight end a contract extension?

Waller’s current contract expires after this season, although he would become a restricted free-agent in 2020. His 37 receptions, and 359 yards and both team highs.

"“He leads the league in receiving right now at that position,” Gruden told reporters on Tuesday. “If you watched him block, I don’t know if there’s a better tight end in football really.”"

It’s clear, Waller is the centerpiece for the Raiders passing attack, and making him a Raider for the foreseeable future has to be on the forefront of Gruden’s mind. When Waller signed with the Raiders in 2018 he inked a two-year, $1.35 million, however his current value is held too much higher standards.

A new contract in Waller’s market value is likely around the $6 million dollar range. In hindsight the Raiders shall look towards locking him up sooner rather than later, as his market may elevate over the course of the season.

Through his first five games in a consistent starting role, Waller leads tight ends in receptions, and is fourth in receiving yards.