Las Vegas Raiders: Darren Waller would thrive with Aaron Rodgers at QB
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders saw Darren Waller battle through injuries in 2022, but he should be ready to go for a monster season in 2023.
The last two seasons have been tough for Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller, as he has appeared in only 20 games, and has not been the top-tier tight end that he was in previous seasons. Waller burst onto the scene with the Raiders after being a member of the Baltimore Ravens practice squad and quickly established himself as one of the best in the game at his position.
After signing a big contract extension in September of last year, Raider Nation expected a monster season from him, but injuries derailed another year of his career. Now, all eyes are on Waller to go back to being one of the best in the game, and the arrival of Aaron Rodgers would go a long way in him doing that.
Since the retirement of Tom Brady, the rumors of a trade for Rodgers have been all over the place, and for good reason. Josh McDaniels needs a veteran, and winning quarterback to come to the desert this offseason, as he is firmly on the hot seat after a 6-11 record in his first season as the team’s head coach.
During Rodgers’ time in Green Bay, not only did he help make Davante Adams a superstar, but he also leaned heavily on his tight ends. Guys like Robert Tonyan, Jermichael Finley, Jimmy Graham, and Jared Cook all thrived with Rodgers getting them the ball, and Waller is more talented than all of them.
The arrival of Rodgers could potentially lead to the best season of Waller’s impressive career.
Raiders appear to be zeroing in on Rodgers
For all of this to happen, Las Vegas has to get their man, and usually where there is smoke, there is fire. Social Media has been ablaze with the Rodgers to Las Vegas news in recent days, and both Rodgers and Adams have added fuel to the fire.
The truth is, Las Vegas needs Rodgers in a big way, and with Green Bay reportedly out on him, he should find a new home this off-season. The New York Jets have been a rumored spot for him, especially with Nathaniel Hackett landing there as offensive coordinator, but the lure of playing with Adams again, plus all the weapons the Raiders have on offense, could lead him to the desert.
Of course, to get Rodgers, the Silver and Black would have to pull off a major trade, and some trade projections have Waller involved in such a deal. That would be a mistake, as a Rodgers-led Raiders team would likely get them to the playoffs, and a player like Waller would have a major part in all of the team’s success.