Raiders end bizarre trend with Michael Mayer contract extension

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Raiders end bizarre trend with Michael Mayer contract extension

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Sep 12, 2026 12:13 PM ET

When thinking about the tight end position for the Las Vegas Raiders, the immediate picture is of superstar Brock Bowers.

Bowers is unquestionably among the best tight ends in the NFL, but behind him on the depth chart is one of the best backups and most underrated tight ends in the NFL in Michael Mayer.

Mayer was expected to be a superstar coming out of Notre Dame in 2023, and while his career hasn't exactly panned out in that regard, it has been a solid trajectory, and he was rewarded with a nice payday ahead of Week 1.

Michael Mayer has signed an extension to stay in Las Vegas

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Raiders and Mayer have agreed on a three-year, $45 million extension with $30 million guaranteed.

Mayer now ranks fourth among NFL tight ends in AAV ($15 million), and his extension snapped a bizarre trend in Las Vegas. According to Rapoport, Mayer is the first Raiders player to be extended on a rookie deal since wide receiver Hunter Renfrow in 2022.

Unbelievably, Michael Mayer is the first #Raiders player extended on a rookie deal since... Hunter Renfrow in 2022. https://t.co/vEwTrDo2wL
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 12, 2026

Michael Mayer will be in the spotlight early in the season

With Bowers being ruled out for Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, Mayer has the potential to be a featured option in the opening game of the season.

His production will likely decrease when Bowers makes his return to the field, so that is even more motivation for Mayer to show up and show out against Miami.

$45 million is quite a hefty contract for a backup at any position, so Mayer will certainly have to put up some excellent numbers over three seasons for his extension not to look bad down the road.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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