Michael Mayer appeared to have a bright future with the Las Vegas Raiders after his rookie season, but then the team drafted Brock Bowers in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Bowers went on to have the greatest season for a rookie tight end ever, while Mayer only had 21 catches for 156 yards and missed six games due to personal reasons.
This offseason, The Athletic reported that the Raiders were open to trading Mayer, but he remains on the roster. Based on some recent comments from offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, it doesn't sound like a trade is as likely now.
"I think Mike's been fantastic since I've been here ... we didn't make any decisions on anything until you see him here, and Mike's been fantastic since day one of the offseason program," Kelly told reporters on Thursday. "
michael mayer
Las Vegas Raiders TE Michael Mayer.
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The main reason the Raiders would trade Mayer at this point is due to the fact that Bowers is so good that he'll get the majority of targets at tight end. However, Kelly is confident in his ability to find ways to get Mayer more involved.
"There's never a position anywhere where coaches say, 'We have too many good players. ... I checked: You can play two tight ends in a game at the same time. And sometimes you can play three tight ends," Kelly added.
Last year's offensive coordinator, Luke Getsy, wanted to utilize both tight ends, but could never figure out the best way to do it. Now that the Raiders have upgraded at offensive playcaller and quarterback, perhaps Mayer could have a much more productive season.