Las Vegas Raiders could capitalize on latest NFL blockbuster trade by dealing disappointing former high draft pick

Raiders could trade TE Michael Mayer

With Smith heading to Pittsburgh, the Dolphins now have a need at TE. Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald reported that the Dolphins have had their eye on the Raiders' Michael Mayer for some time.

Mayer has two years remaining on his contract with Las Vegas, but carries small salary cap hits of $1.6 million in 2025 and $2 million in 2026. The Raiders selected Mayer in the second round (35th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft.

He didn't produce like the Raiders had hoped as a rookie, catching just 27 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns. Las Vegas then drafted Brock Bowers in 2024, who had an incredible rookie season and has already established himself as one of the best TEs in the league.

Mayer immediately took a backseat to Bowers, recording only 21 receptions for 156 yards. Mayer missed six games in 2024 due to personal reasons, but specifics were never really identified. Here's what he told Levi Edwards of Raiders.com back in November of 24 about his absence.

"The No. 1 important rule is that football's not bigger than life," Mayer said. "It isn't, and it never has been. I just needed to figure some things out. That's what I did, and I'm on my feet again. I feel great. I'm sleeping well. I'm doing all the things that I need to be doing to set myself up for success and help the team. Whatever they ask me to do these next eight, nine, 10 weeks, 11 weeks – [I'll] do it for them."

Given Bowers' emergence, trading Mayer makes obvious sense. A change of scenery could also be good for Mayer, who has hopefully been able to move forward from his off-field challenges. However, it should be noted that head coach Pete Carroll was impressed by Mayer during OTAs and minicamp, so perhaps the Raiders' offense could evolve into being led by a two-headed monster at TE.