One of the major talks of the NY Giants' offseason has been the addition of tight end Darren Waller, who was acquired in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders. The buzz only grew for the veteran tight end following his spectacular debut vs. the Lions in last week's preseason win. He comes to Big Blue after spending the last five years with the Raiders.
After witnessing the newly acquired offensive weapon go through practices and Giants training camp this offseason, it's safe to say from our chair that the hype about Waller is real. So, just how good can he be moving forward? Here are three reasons for fans to be excited about his potential:
3. The veteran has proven to succeed at this level
Waller broke out with the Raiders in 2019, posting 1,145 receiving yards on 90 receptions and three touchdowns in 16 games. His impeccable performance led to the tight end finishing third in the NFL AP Comeback Player of the Year voting.
Waller would follow up his breakout performance in 2019 with a second consecutive 1,000-plus-yard season. In 2020, Waller totaled nine touchdowns,107 receptions, and 1,196 yards. He would go on to earn Pro Bowl recognition for the first time in his NFL career.
There has only been one tight end in New York Giants franchise history to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a single season. Big Blue legend Mark Bavaro posted 1,001 yards in 1986, which helped lead the team to their first Super Bowl victory.
New Giants TE Darren Waller has two seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards in his career (2019 & 2020).
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 15, 2023
Every other Giants TE in franchise history has combined for just such season with the team (Mark Bavaro in 1986).
With his proven success at the professional level, Waller could become the second Giants tight end to surpass this milestone in 2023. Those are some lofty expectations for him, but NY supporters have full belief in him.