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Raiders shut down trade interest regarding young player

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Derek Hegna | Last updated Jul 4, 2025 11:27 AM ET

Earlier this week, the Las Vegas Raiders wound up being placed in some slight trade drama.

When the Miami Dolphins traded cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday, they opened up two holes on their roster than needed to be filled quickly. Dolphins beat writers immediately pitched the idea of Raiders tight end Michael Mayer, seeing as the team had expressed interest in him before. With Brock Bowers keeping Mayer down the depth chart, they believed the Dolphins had a clear shot to buy low on an ascending talent.

The Raiders, however, were quick to dismiss the idea of moving on from Mayer.

Mayer not being up for sale is in line with what the Raiders have said about the third-year tight end.

According to a X post from the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Vincent Bonsignore, he confirmed that the Raiders have no interest in trading Mayer.

The @Raiders have no interest in trading Michael Mayer. https://t.co/4cJyTXT4hX

— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) June 30, 2025

The Dolphins ultimately traded for former Raiders tight end Darren Waller from the New York Giants on Tuesday, bringing him back from his year-long retirement.

Mayer has emerged as one of the stars of the offseason program, and the Raiders coaching staff has been quick to sing his praises at every opportunity. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, in particular, suggested that the Raiders could play both Mayer and Bowers more often, meaning it is fair to assume that the team will be using more 12 personnel sets than in seasons past. It does not guarantee Mayer will receive an expanded role on offense but, with more unproven options behind Bowers and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, this is an excellent opportunity for the Notre Dame product to finally showcase his potential.

The new regime deserves at least some credit for being willing to see what a talented holdover in Mayer can do for them instead of selling off for lesser value.

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

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