After spending just two seasons with the team, the Las Vegas Raiders are putting former starting tight end Michael Mayer on the trade. According to several sources, the team is open to moving on from Mayer this offseason after two disastrous seasons. Originally selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the former Notre Dame product came into the league hoping to carve out a role as the starter but was silent in his rookie year, recording 27 catches for 304 yards and two touchdowns through 14 games. Mayer was not the guy the Raiders were hoping he would turn out after being a receptions leader for Notre Dame but the team found some answers last year.
Despite another disaster 2024 campaign, they got their new starter in Brock Bowers after shockingly selecting him in the first round of last year’s draft. Many were wondering why the team drafted a tight end so early but it paid for Bowers after being one of the leading pass catchers on the Raiders. This made Mayer a non-factor so it’s easy to see why the Raiders are attempting to trade him this offseason. Las Vegas is looking for some decent draft capital in return but the chances of that happening are so the team could get a late pick at best.
It shouldn’t surprise anyone if the Raiders don’t find a trade partner for him, they will eventually release him. Mayer might have been declining early but these five teams could easily bring out the best in his abilities.
Breaking: Raiders Put Former Starter Michael Mayer on Trade Block, 5 Teams Who Could Pursue Him
Possible Destinations
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens had a questionable pass-catching department but potentially a messy situation for the tight-end unit. Isaiah Likely became the full-time starter ahead of veteran Mark Andrews since he’s been on the decline. With that, the Ravens will probably trade Andrews for some decent draft capital in return and pursue Mayer on a cheap deal if he’s free on the market as a potential replacement.
New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr will return for what could be his last season with the team since hiring head coach Kellen Moore. Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau will become free agents and the Saints could probably only afford one of them at a reasonable price. The Saints don’t have the financial liberty to bank on an extension so they could trade for Mayer who’s still on a rookie deal.
Cincinnati Bengals
Mike Gesicki had one of the “out of nowhere” seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. It’s been a busy offseason for them since several players like Trey Hendrickson want a possible trade and the team needs to extend star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. However, the Bengals could go cheap this offseason and trade for Mayer at a bargain to be a temporary replacement in Gesicki’s spot.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers need as many pass catchers as quarterback Justin Herbert to stretch the field. Wide receiver Ladd McConkey is the only set of reliable hands this upcoming season. Mayer won’t take Will Dissly’s starting spot but it gives Herbert an additional security blanket.
Dallas Cowboys
Tight end Jake Ferguson missed a few games this past 2024 campaign and they traded away Peyton Hendershot to the Chiefs. This means they could use another tight end in their rotational department to assist Ferguson. Luke Schoonmaker has yet to shine brightly so the team could bring in Mayer as worthy competition to compete for the backup job.
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