As we inch toward the new season, the ever-changing NFL landscape has player fantasy values constantly on the move. Whether you’re used to the dynasty platform or are still learning the rules, let’s dive into the latest dynasty fantasy football value of Darren Waller.
Darren Waller’s Dynasty Outlook and Value
It’s been a crazy ride for Waller. He went from a failed wide receiver to out of the NFL to becoming one of the best tight ends in football.
Waller had his breakout season in 2019, catching 90 passes for 1,146 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 13.8 ppg, finishing as the overall TE5.
In 2020, Waller truly ascended to the ranks of the elite at the TE position. He had 107 receptions for 1,196 yards and nine touchdowns. He averaged 17.4 ppg, finishing as the TE2.
In 2021, injuries started to rear their ugly head. Waller missed six games and only averaged 12.1 ppg in the games he did play. Waller was still a top-six tight end, but he wasn’t making a difference for fantasy managers.
MORE: Dynasty Rankings 2023 — Top Fantasy Options at Tight End
The addition of Davante Adams, combined with Hunter Renfrow’s breakout, made Waller a riskier option in 2022. Waller was underwhelming for the first four weeks of the season, then got hurt in Week 5 and missed the next 10 games.
Waller will be 31 years old this season. He’s now posted back-to-back underwhelming seasons that were also mired by injury. We can’t predict injuries, but it’s not unfair to say a 31-year-old player with two consecutive seasons dealing with a multitude of ailments is more likely to get hurt than younger players.
Given Waller’s size and elite athleticism (especially considering he’s a converted wide receiver), he doesn’t profile as the type of player who will be effective deep into his mid-30s. Waller’s current contract runs through 2026. He’ll be 35 years old when it expires. Waller will likely be done by then.
Darren Waller’s Fantasy Ranking
Waller is one of the most volatile dynasty assets right now. His ceiling remains as an elite TE1. The tight end position is in an awful state, with really no one truly reliable other than Travis Kelce. Even in a down year, a healthy Waller is a lock for a TE1 finish. With that said, Waller averaging 10 ppg as a back-end TE1 is not doing fantasy managers any favors.
The good news is on the Giants, Waller immediately becomes the top option in their passing game. He will completely vanquish Daniel Bellinger.
Absent a big name wide receiver, Waller is their de facto WR1, something that was glaringly absent from last year’s team. I suddenly find myself a bit more bullish on Waller than I expected. But that’s more of a short-term thing.
Even so, there’s no clear answer on what to do with Waller. Given his age, offensive situation, and production over the past two years, I’m more inclined to move on from Waller if I have him. Still, I’m not giving him away for free. Ultimately, the answer may be to just hang on to him and hope he’s able to turn it around.
Waller is currently our TE12 (No. 130 overall) in our dynasty Superflex rankings. Evidently, we’re out on Waller. I can’t really argue with it. I would not target Waller in dynasty startup drafts.