Former Raiders second-round pick earns praise from new regime

When head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek took over the Las Vegas Raiders, many assumed that was the beginning of the end for Michael Mayer.

The tight end from Notre Dame no longer had any ties from the organization, with the regime that drafted him in the second round of the 2023 Draft all gone. With Brock Bowers taking over the starting spot, Mayer found himself pushed onto the offseason trade block. Recording only 21 receptions for 156 yards in his sophomore year, many believed Mayer’s potential would only be realized away from Las Vegas.

Not only has Mayer remained on the Raiders through last week’s minicamp, but he has left a strong impression on his new head coach.

Mayer could be on the verge of the breakout season he has been waiting for.

In his press conference last week, Carroll took a moment to praise Mayer’s hard work, highlighting him in what looks like a strong position group for the Raiders.

“I thought Mike had a great offseason with us,” Carroll said. “We started out going heart to heart and him [understanding] what we’re all about, and he embraced it and took it as well as anybody could take the challenge of bringing it day in and day out. He had a great camp, and he was doing well before Brock got here, and the two of them just went head to head, just trying to make a play here and there and going back and forth. And they were just great contributors.”

Carroll’s comments echoed those of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly earlier in the offseason, suggesting that a plan is in place to get Mayer on the field more often.

“I checked — you can play with two tight ends in a game at the same time, and sometimes you can play with three tight ends they told me,” Kelly said.

A Mayer breakout this season would come at the exact right time for the Raiders.

Bowers and Jakobi Meyers are expected to once again headline the passing attack for the Raiders, but it is uncertain behind them for targets. Third-year receiver Tre Tucker is also still awaiting his breakout season, while rookie wideouts Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr. are unproven commodities. With Mayer impressing during the spring and summer workouts, he can easily be the third option and earn himself some chances in pivotal situations.

If Carroll and Kelly can unlock Mayer’s potential, it will go a long way towards getting the Raiders offense back in fighting shape.