Oakland Raiders’ tight end Darren Waller is getting a reward for the stellar performance he is putting on this season. The Raiders announced on Wednesday that they have signed Waller to a three-year extension, which will keep him with the organization through 2023.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Waller’s new deal will pay him around $9 million annually.
Waller joined the Raiders in 2018, having a limited role last season. The 27-year-old managed showed significant improvement since then and managed to get the starting TE position ahead of 2019 NFL season. Since then, he emerged as the team’s most prominent weapon on offense, racking up 37 catches for 359 yards in five games.
“Raider Nation, I’m going to give you all I got,” – said Waller after inking the deal. “I’m just appreciative to be here for a few more years. I really can’t put it into words.”
Darren Waller was originally drafted into the league as a wide receiver, with Baltimore Ravens taking him in the sixth round of 2015 NFL Draft. Waller transitioned to the tight end position in 2016 but didn’t see much action as he struggled with substance abuse. He was first suspended four games in 2016 due to these issues before receiving a year-long suspension by NFL in 2017.
Waller was reinstated in 2018, and but ended up being released by Ravens shortly after and signed to their practice squad. He left Baltimore with 18 games (four starts) under his belt, during which he caught 12 passes for 103 yards and two touchdowns.
