Raiders TE Darren Waller focused on football, not contract

Tight end contracts have become a noteworthy topic late this spring and ahead of NFL training camps. 

It all started when the Cleveland Browns signed 2017 first-round draft pick David Njoku to a four-year deal that reportedly is worth up to $56.75 million and includes $28 million in guaranteed money even though Njoku finished last season with just 36 receptions for 475 yards and four touchdowns. 

Then, it was learned Monday that tight end Dalton Schultz informed the Dallas Cowboys he won't attend the rest of voluntary organized team activities amid his desire to put pen to paper on an extension even though he previously signed his $10.931 million franchise tender. 

As Myles Simmons noted for Pro Football Talk, Darren Waller of the Las Vegas Raiders is set to earn $6.25 million in base salary over the final two years of his contract and is due for a raise after the one-time Pro Bowl selection recorded 55 catches for 665 yards and two touchdowns last season. Waller spoke with reporters Tuesday and made it clear he'll let his agent worry about the business side of things. 

"I just focus on enjoying it while I’m here — whether I’m here 10 years or who knows how long, just being present here," Waller explained. "And my agent’s job is to do that stuff. I just focus on the football part because if you don’t focus on football and your mind’s elsewhere… You’ve got to be locked in as a professional. So I try to be a professional every day." 

Waller earned his only Pro Bowl nod, to date, after he tallied 107 receptions for 1,196 yards and nine scores in 2020.