McDaniels is Confident Waller Still Has Much to Offer

Back-to-back injury-stricken seasons have limited Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller, but Josh Mcdaniels' faith in him hasn't wavered.

Luck has not been on Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller's side since his Pro Bowl season in 2020.

Following two consecutive seasons of leading the team in total receiving yards (1,145 in 2019-20 and 1,196 in 2020-21), Waller missed one game because of an ankle injury and six due to a knee injury.

The star tight end endured more turmoil this past season when he sat for eight games because of a hamstring injury.

Las Vegas still plans to have Waller as a big part of their offense, though, having signed him to a three-year, $51-million contract in September.

Raiders Coach Josh McDaniels believes Waller can still be of value in his team's receiving game.

"I think Darren -- I know Darren fought through a lot of injuries and those types of things last year," McDaniels said at the NFL Combine last Tuesday, Feb. 28. "But I have a great deal of confidence in Darren Waller. I felt like he ended the season the right way, really playing well. Still, you know, fast, explosive, great teammate, very smart. And he'll be a big part of what we're going to do going forward." 

Waller has totaled 3,469 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns in his five years with the Raiders.

The 2023 NFL Draft will go from April 27-29 and be held at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo. On March 7, 2023, before 4 p.m. EST, is the club's deadline to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

March 13-15 is the free agent negotiation period. Starting at 12 p.m. EDT on March 13 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m. EDT on March 15, clubs are permitted to contact and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2022 Player Contracts at 4 p.m. EDT on March 15.

The 2023 NFL Year and Free Agency period begins at 4 p.m. EDT on March 15. The Raiders are expected to be significant players in the free-agent market this season.

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