The New York Giants upgraded their receiving arsenal when they traded a third-round draft pick to the Las Vegas Raiders for Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller.
Part of general manager Joe Schoen’s offseason checklist is to give quarterback Daniel Jones enough viable targets going forward so he can both live up to his new contract and advance the Giants’ passing attack.
But Waller is no ordinary tight end. The 6-foot-6, 240-pounder is a weapon. He can line up as both an in-line tight end and also split out as a slot receiver. He is an asset in either role.
“I think he’s a clear mismatch. Someone the defense has to worry about how they are going to account for him, how they are going to cover him, who they are going to put on him, and how they are going to play it,” Jones told reporters on Monday. “I think that just adds an element to our attack and gives the defense something else to worry about when you have a guy that big and that strong who can move like he can and open up the field.”
But not all is guaranteed. Waller is coming off two injury-shortened seasons after setting career highs in receptions and receiving yards in 2020.
The Giants are hoping for a bounce-back season from Waller. If they get it, Jones will be in for a banner year as well.
But the Waller addition is not the only one of note this offseason.
Schoen has added both speed and depth at wideout with the signings of free agent Parris Campbell, Jamison Crowder and Jeff Smith, and re-signed Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton to a group that already consists of Wan’Dale Robinson, Isaiah Hodgins, and tight end Daniel Bellinger.
