As with a few offensive positions, the Las Vegas Raiders filled out their tight end room with youth, veteran experience, and depth players. Also, like a few other positions on their offense, the Raiders have multiple tight ends set to become unrestricted free agents this offseason. However, their tight end position should be slightly easier to figure out than those other positions.
The Raiders traded former tight end Darren Waller, then traded up in the second round of the NFL Draft to select their tight end of the future, Michael Mayer. Las Vegas would also sign veteran tight end Austin Hooper to help solidify their tight end position.
The Raiders have shown they value tight ends who can catch and block for in the run game when called upon. Both Mayer and Hooper displayed those abilities throughout this season.
Horsted joined the Raiders in 2022 after spending two seasons with the Chicago Bears. Since joining the Raiders, Horsted has registered twice as many tackles than he has receptions, with eight tackles and four receptions. Horsted's lack of production in Las Vegas' offense isn't an indictment on him as a player, as much as it is an indictment on his value to Las Vegas' offense.
Horsted found himself as the third option on a depth chart where the two tight ends in front of him stayed healthy for most of the season, forcing Horsted's role to become more of a depth player than a productive asset to the team. Horsted's importance, however, was heightened late in the season in Mayer's absence, which would be the main argument in favor of re-signing Horsted.
Between the investment made in Mayer, the potential he showed in his rookie season, and Hooper's production on the field, that left and will likely leave little room for Horsted moving forward. While anything can happen, the Raiders could replace Horsted's production or use his roster spot for another position. Time will tell if the Raiders value Horsted enough to bring him back for another season.
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