Raiders HC dishes on TE Darren Waller’s future with club

For awhile, tight end Darren Waller’s future with the Las Vegas Raiders was in question.

The team cut longtime quarterback Derek Carr, and Waller and receiver Hunter Renfrow have been reported offseason trade targets. But as head coach Josh McDaniels addressed reporters Tuesday at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, he shed some light on how Waller factors into Vegas’ plans.

“Darren fought through a lot of injuries and those types of things last year, but I have a great deal of confidence in Darren Waller,” McDaniels said. “I thought he ended the season the right way. Really playing well. Still fast, explosive, great teammate, really smart. He’ll be a big part of what we do going forward.”

A former Pro Bowler, Waller had a disappointing 2022 season which was cut short due to a lingering injury. Limited to just six starts in nine games, Waller recorded 28 receptions on 43 targets for 388 yards and three touchdowns.

His production dipped significantly from his impressive three-year run from 2019 to 2021, in which he totaled 252 catches, 3,006 yards and 14 touchdowns.

But a healthy Waller makes the Raiders passing game all the more dangerous. He had back-to-back 1,100-yard seasons in 2019 and 2020, recording 90 or more receptions in both years. He saw 93 targets in 2021 and averaged 12.1 yards per reception.

McDaniels made it clear Tuesday that the Raiders need all hands on deck in 2023, including Waller.

“I think that would be the goal is to try to put a good supporting cast around whoever [our quarterback is],” McDaniels added.