Daily Archives: March 14, 2023

Darren Waller traded to Giants

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The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to a trade with the New York Giants.

Darren Waller is the latest player to earn the title of “Former Raider”. Las Vegas has agreed to send the tight end to the New York Giants for a third-round pick (100th overall). It is a compensatory pick that New York received in the trade that sent Kadarius Toney to Kansas City.

This trade provides the Raiders some cap relief as they save over $11 million while only absorbing a small amount of dead money ($660,000). Waller signed a three-year $51 million extension with the Raiders prior to last season with an opt out after 2023.

Finding ways to save money is very important for the Raiders as they are not the most financially stable team. Cash flow issues and overall lack of cash on hand can be directly attributed to some of the decisions made by the franchise in recent years.

Darren Waller caught on with the Raiders after two relatively uninspiring seasons in Baltimore. After it looked like history was about to repeat itself, Waller burst on the scene with a 90 catch 1,145 yard, four touchdown season. Waller would add 162 receptions, 1,1861 yards, and 11 touchdowns over the next 27 games. Landing in New York after an injury shortened seasons should provide the 31-year old a fresh start to regain his former form.

Austin Ekeler allowed to seek trade

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The Los Angeles Chargers running back has been given permission to seek a trade.

It appears that Austin Ekeler has played his last down in a Los Angeles Chargers uniform. The club has granted Ekeler the ability to look for a trade with a new team. This comes after requesting permission from the Chargers Monday. A big factor in Ekeler’s request is not being able to come to terms on a new contract according to reports.

Austin Ekeler has been an integral part of the Chargers offense with 43 starts over the last three seasons. During that span Ekeler has 757 touches and 4,128 total yards with 41 touchdowns, which is quite a heavy workload for a smaller back. Prospective teams may be scared off at the prospect of acquiring and signing Ekeler to an extension considering his size (5’8 200 lbs), usage, and age. Ekeler will be 28 rather soon and that is a noted drop-off point for running backs.

When and if the Chargers do find a trading partner for Austin Ekeler they will have some pretty big shoes to fill. Hoping to strike gold again with another undrafted running back like Ekeler is not a sound strategy. Los Angeles may have to take a two-pronged approach to make up for Ekeler’s absence. Drafting in addition to signing a running back in free agency seems to be their best foot forward. How Los Angeles addresses this position will be something to pay attention to in the coming days.

Donovan Mitchell out vs Charlotte

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The Cavs will be without the services of their star guard Tuesday.

Round 2 of Cavs-Hornets may have a different feel. That is due to Donovan Mitchell being listed as out for injury management. Mitchell has been dealing with a sprained finger for about a week and a half. The Cavaliers guard initially suffered the finger injury in Cleveland’s win over the Pistons March 4.

When Cleveland last played Charlotte (Sunday) they ended every one of the 23 points Donovan Mitchell scored. The Cavs found themselves down a ton early, scratching back and eventually edging out the Hornets in a 114-108 victory.

Cleveland is also without Jarrett Allen which could make things a bit more difficult for the Cavaliers this time around. Scoring duties are going to fall heavier on Darius Garland and Caris LeVert, the latter an obvious candidate to spot start in Mitchell’s absence.