Darren Waller has been a bright spot for the Las Vegas Raiders ever since they signed him from the Baltimore Ravens practice squad.
He had consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in 2019 and 2020, catching 12 touchdowns over that stretch.
His efforts earned him a four-year, $29.8 million extension from the Raiders in 2019.
However, that deal is about to end and he only has two years left on that contract.
But his focus is on the game, especially after a subpar 2021 season.
#Raiders TE Darren Waller, when asked if he wants a contract extension: My agent's job is to focus on that; I focus on football.
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) June 7, 2022
ESPN NFL Nation reporter Paul Gutierrez tweeted, “#Raiders TE Darren Waller, when asked if he wants a contract extension: My agent’s job is to focus on that; I focus on football.”
That’s a response you’d expect from a player who missed six games last season.
In effect, his numbers went down to 55 receptions for 665 yards and two touchdowns.
Waller is hoping for a bounce-back season, especially with new head coach Josh McDaniels implementing two-tight end packages.
Playing well in 2022 proves that he is worthy of a more lucrative long-term deal.
Instead of holding out to get the contract he wants, he wants to show that he’s worthy of the huge financial investment.
It’s an easy pitch for his agent because numbers don’t lie.
What’s A Fair Deal For Waller?
Waller will be earning a base salary of $6.25 million for both 2022 and 2023.
He will also get a roster bonus of $343,750 in 2022 and $500,000 in 2023.
He will also receive a $250,000 workout bonus each year.
Recently, the Cleveland Browns’ David Njoku signed a four-year, $56.75 million contract.
An impressive 2022 campaign makes him worth more than that sum.
He could even unseat George Kittle as the league’s highest-paid tight end.
Kittle has an annual average value of $15 million.
Waller still deserves a deal north of that amount, granted that he returns to peak form.
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