Less than two months after the Packers and Raiders completed a deal that included an All-Pro wide receiver and two top 60 overall picks, the two teams are in conversations again. This time, the Packers are looking to acquire Pro Bowl TE, Darren Waller.
Reports have since stated the the Packers were interested in Waller from the initial deal, but Adams’ franchise tag had complicated trade talks.
Drafted in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, he has developed into a premier pass catcher in the league during his time with the Raiders. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2019, Waller has amassed over 3000 receiving yards and 14 TD catches.
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst has plenty of draft stock available to him to pull off a deal of this level. Reinforced by an additional first and second-round selection, the Packers have five picks in the top 100.
The Georgia Tech product still has two years remaining on his current contract. A trade would likely be soon followed by an extension as well. A long-term deal with Waller would certainly be cheaper than that which Adams had just signed with Las Vegas.
The former Green Bay Packer recently inked a 5 year/$140m contract with the Raiders. At an annual average value of $28m per year, Adams ranks just behind Tyreek Hill for the second highest paid WR on an AAV basis. Though deal does make him the highest paid WR in NFL history from a total money perspective.
The Packers certainly have a need for quality pass catchers as the roster currently stands. After trading away All-Pro WR Davante Adams, the team also lost Marquez Valdes-Scantling to free agency. Around the league the wide receiver trade market has been extremely actively. The Packers instead looked to veteran receiver Sammy Watkins on a one year deal.
The question then becomes whether to use the draft capital on prospects or to turn them into a proven talent in Darren Waller. That will be something for Brian Gutekunst to decide.
——————
Zach has been a lifelong Packers fan since his earliest memories of Brett Favre\\\'s Super Bowl win in Super Bowl XXXII. A proud shareholder of the team, he bleeds Green and Gold despite being born and raised in New Jersey. You can follow him on twitter at @RapMasterZach.
——————
