Waller amid Packers rumors: Raiders said 'no trade' will happen

The Las Vegas Raiders told star tight end Darren Waller that they won't trade him despite recent reports linking him to the Green Bay Packers.

"I've had talks with the (Raiders), and they said this is not a thing that's happening, and there's no trade that's going to happen," Waller said Wednesday on the "Zach Gelb Show."

Aaron Nagler of Cheesehead TV reported Monday that Green Bay and Las Vegas were engaged in trade talks regarding Waller, adding the two sides wanted to get a deal done during the 2022 NFL Draft.

This isn't the first time Waller has been linked to the Packers. Green Bay wanted the tight end as part of the trade that sent star receiver Davante Adams to Las Vegas in March, sources told The Athletic's Jeff Howe.

Waller says he has no intentions of leaving the Raiders right now.

"I love being here. I love playing with my guys," he said. "(I) really enjoy these new coaches (and) how they challenge us out the gate. So yeah, I love being in Las Vegas, and I love playing for the Raiders."

Beyond being one of football's most explosive tight ends, the 29-year-old is also currently signed to one of the cheapest contracts among starters at his position. He ranks 17th among tight ends in average annual salary after inking a four-year, $29.8-million extension in October 2019, according to Spotrac.

Waller, who has two years left on his deal, said he has "no idea" if his contract situation was a factor in the trade rumors.

"I let my agent do his job, and I focus on the football aspect," he said.

Injuries limited the 2020 Pro Bowler to only 11 regular-season appearances last year. He racked up 665 yards and two touchdowns on 55 receptions in 2021.

Waller previously topped 1,000 yards in both 2019 and '20. He set career highs with 107 catches, 1,196 yards, and nine touchdown receptions two years ago.

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