Like the Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Raiders and tight end Darren Waller are playing beat the clock for a new deal before the regular-season opener. Unlike the Ravens and Jackson, the Raiders and Waller could get a deal done.
Per a league source with knowledge of the situation, talks between the Raiders and Waller are progressing. The goal remains to get a deal done by Sunday, when the Raiders open the season against the Chargers in L.A.
Waller has made it clear he’ll be playing, with or without a new deal. He has $6.75 million in base salary and per-game roster bonuses under his current contract for 2022. He has the same compensation package in 2023.
Some have questioned whether the Raiders would conclude a deal with Waller following a recent change in agents. The argument would be that the team wants to avoid the perception that firing their current agent and hiring a new one is the key to getting a new deal.
That doesn’t seem to be affecting the current situation. Momentum is building toward getting the new contract that he deserves -- especially in light of the fact that the new regime realizes what a weapon he can, and possibly will, be in the Josh McDaniels offense.