Raiders Lock Up Michael Mayer With $45 Million Extension

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Raiders Lock Up Michael Mayer With $45 Million Extension

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Sep 12, 2026 12:47 PM ET

LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Raiders aren’t viewing Michael Mayer as simply Brock Bowers’ backup. They’re paying him like an important piece of their future.

The Raiders have agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract extension with Mayer, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The deal reportedly includes $30 million guaranteed and keeps the former second-round pick in Las Vegas beyond the final season of his rookie contract.

Mayer, selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, was scheduled to become eligible for free agency following the season. Instead, the Raiders made sure he isn’t going anywhere. The decision provides another indication of how head coach Klint Kubiak intends to construct his offense moving forward.

The #Raiders have agreed to terms on an 3-year extension with TE Michael Mayer worth $45M with $30M guaranteed. The $15M APY ranks 4th among current TE contracts.

The deal was negotiated by Kyle McCarthy, Brian Murphy, and Cam Hahn of @athletesfirst pic.twitter.com/Mlgqyp7kyl

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 12, 2026

$30 Million Guaranteed Shows Raiders’ Commitment

The financial commitment is significant. A three-year deal worth $45 million with $30 million guaranteed isn’t the type of contract an organization gives a player it views as merely a reserve.

The Raiders clearly believe Mayer can play a substantial role alongside Bowers. It also means Las Vegas is making a sizable investment at a position where another major contract could eventually be coming.

Bowers was selected in the first round of the 2024 draft and has already established himself as one of the franchise’s most important offensive players. If that continues, his eventual extension could make him one of the NFL’s highest-paid tight ends.

That raises an interesting question for the Raiders’ long-term salary structure. Las Vegas could eventually have significant money committed to two tight ends. But if Kubiak’s offense is going to feature both players extensively, the Raiders clearly believe the investment is justified.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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