Raiders Extend TE Michael Mayer

This is an out-of-nowhere payday for Mayer, who has been behind star Brock Bowers on the Raiders’ tight end depth chart since 2024. In 2023, a year before the Raiders drafted Bowers 13th overall, they took Mayer in the second round (No. 35).

Former Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler selected Mayer, but current GM John Spytek has seen enough positives from the ex-Notre Dame standout to authorize a significant raise. Mayer is now the fifth tight end in the NFL averaging at least $15MM per year, and just seven TEs outrank him in total value.

Mayer logged modest production over his first three years, and he missed multiple games in each of those seasons. The 6-foot-4, 256-pounder sat out three as a rookie because of a toe sprain, six in 2024 for personal reasons, and four last year as a result of a concussion and a sprained ankle. He caught fewer than 30 passes in each of his first two years, though he set career highs with 35 receptions and 328 yards last season. He caught one touchdown, just the third of his career.

Although Mayer’s numbers don’t jump off the page, the 25-year-old’s lucrative extension suggests the Raiders have big plans for him. Under offensive-minded rookie head coach Klint Kubiak, the Raiders may rely heavily on multiple-TE sets – especially with a receiving corps that lacks high-end options. Their pass-catching group will temporarily go without Bowers, though, as he underwent a meniscus trim earlier this week. Bowers is expected to miss one or two games, including the Raiders’ season opener against the Dolphins on Sunday. Quarterback Kirk Cousins could frequently turn to Mayer in Bowers’ absence.

In the bigger picture, the Raiders’ top two tight ends are now under control for a few years apiece. The Raiders signed Mayer through 2029, and if they make the easy call to exercise Bowers’ fifth-year option next spring, they will have him through at least 2028. Those two should be key long-term weapons for eventual starting QB Fernando Mendoza, who will begin his career as an understudy to the 38-year-old Cousins. As the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, Mendoza may not have to wait too long before he grabs the reins.