Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) warms up during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Candice Ward-Imagn Images
The Las Vegas Raiders are going to start Michael Mayer in Week 1 as Brock Bowers is recovering from meniscus trim surgery. Leading up to the first game of the season, it appears Mayer is cashing in a payday after agreeing to a new deal.
Reports indicate that the 25-year-old tight end agreed to a $45 million contract extension with the Raiders, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. $30 million of the deal is guaranteed, and it makes Mayer the fourth highest-paid tight end in the NFL annually.
“The Raiders have agreed to terms on a 3-year extension with TE Michael Mayer worth $45M with $30M guaranteed,” Rapoport reported. “The $15M APY ranks 4th among current TE contracts. The deal was negotiated by Kyle McCarthy, Brian Murphy, and Cam Hahn of Athletes First.”
Mayer is a former second-round pick by the Raiders in the 2023 NFL Draft. While he's flashed potential in his first three years in the league, he hasn't received many opportunities to prove himself as a pass catcher. Through 38 career games (32 starts), Mayer has totaled 83 receptions, 788 yards, and three touchdowns.
But perhaps his role increased this season. Not only is Michael Mayer replacing Brock Bowers in the starting lineup for now, but the Raiders have a new offensive play caller in head coach Klint Kubiak. Considering the wide receiver room is nothing to gloat about, the new contract extension suggests Mayer could be much more involved this season.
The Raiders kick off the new campaign with a Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. It'll be a home contest for Las Vegas, and the game is scheduled to begin at 4:25 p.m. EST.