The tight end room left a lot to be desired last season in Chicago. With the Bears releasing Gerald Everett and 40-year-old Marcedes Lewis set to hit free agency, Cole Kmet remains the lone tight end on the roster. Signing a four-year, $50 million extension in 2023, Kmet had a down year due to a lack of involvement in the offense. The coaching staff seemingly had no idea how to utilize him despite being on the field for 87.5% of the Bears’ offensive snaps. Now with Ben Johnson taking over, it’s time for the Bears to reinvent the tight end room and bring in some quality depth players. With the Raiders fielding calls for their former second-round tight end Michael Mayer, the Bears should explore a possible trade to create a Norte Dame TE tandem.
Bears Should Trade for Raiders Tight End Michael Mayer
The top tight end in the 2023 NFL Draft, Michael Mayer went 35th overall to the Raiders after recording 180 receptions for 2,099 yards and 18 touchdowns over three seasons at Norte Dame. Despite his potential, he struggled to carve out a significant role in Las Vegas, finishing his rookie season with 27 receptions for 304 yards and two touchdowns.
His situation worsened when the Raiders used the 13th overall pick in the following draft to select Brock Bowers, who went on to have one of the best rookie tight end seasons ever. As a result, Mayer saw even less action, managing just 21 catches for 156 yards and no touchdowns in his second season.
However, at just 23 years old with two years left on his rookie contract, Mayer still has untapped potential. A change of scenery could be exactly what he needs to reignite his career.
Low Risk, High Reward
If the Bears are looking for a quality backup tight end, there may be no better option than Mayer. The free agent market for tight ends is weak, and drafting a tight end of Mayer’s caliber would likely require a third-round pick.
Given Ben Johnson’s background as a former tight ends coach in Miami and new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle’s recent experience coaching tight ends in Denver, it makes sense for Chicago to prioritize the position. It shouldn’t take more than a fifth-round pick to acquire Mayer, so it’s a no-brainer type of move for the Bears to make.
What Michael Mayer Brings to the Table
While his production has been a disappointment, Mayer was drafted in the second round for a reason. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein described him pre-draft as the following:
“Big combination tight end with the demeanor for run blocking and the size for tough, chain-moving catches underneath. Mayer will come into the league with better blocking technique than most tight ends in this year’s draft. He’s built for in-line duty and was an extension of the Notre Dame offensive line at times. His feet are a little heavy getting into and through his routes, but he has the hand strength and contact balance to win heavily contested catches on the first two levels.”
Mayer’s lack of production in Las Vegas was largely due to poor quarterback play and limited opportunities. And for a minimal investment, the Bears could land a young, high-upside tight end who fits well within their new offensive scheme. If the Raiders are truly open to moving Mayer, Chicago should strongly consider making a deal.
Main Image: Stephen R. Sylvanie – USA Today Sports
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