Giants' Darren Waller addresses trade from Raiders

New York Giants tight end Darren Waller understood the Las Vegas Raiders could trade him this offseason. 

"Not totally shocked," Waller said about the transaction at an event supporting his foundation on Thursday night, per Adam Hill of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "I had heard some things. There were different moments throughout the year that I heard I may be traded or I may not. So the actual event of it wasn’t too shocking. But I didn’t expect it to be the Giants." 

After the Giants agreed to acquire Waller in March, it was reported that the relationship between the 30-year-old and Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels became fractured after McDaniels "accidentally leaked" during the combine that Waller was marrying Kelsey Plum of the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces this NFL offseason. The two hadn't publicly revealed their wedding plans. 

Last month, Waller made it known he liked being part of an organization where "they value our opinions." Ahead of the Giants' summer break, quarterback Daniel Jones referred to Waller as "a true pro" and somebody who "really cares about what we're doing here and wants to be a big part of it." Waller is expected to serve as Jones' primary target beginning when the Giants open the regular season with a home game against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 10. 

"It’s been a great challenge," Waller said about joining the Giants. "I love a good challenge and just forming a new relationship with my teammates. They’re really excited about winning. They’re really solid about doing things the right way and continuing to build a foundation on what they started last year. I’m just excited to be a part of it." 

Injuries limited Waller to just 20 regular-season games across the past two campaigns. He recorded 28 catches for 388 yards and three touchdowns in nine contests last season and will now look to produce a bounce-back year with Big Blue. 

"I’m done questioning God and what he’s trying to do," Waller explained. "He’s gotten me to this point. I know that he’s going to continue to have a plan for me, you know?"