While the Raiders are open for business when it comes to their top wideout, it sounds like the team isn’t as willing to deal their backup tight end. SI.com’s Albert Breer acknowledges that Michael Mayer would be a logical trade target, but the reporter cautions that the Raiders have no interest in trading the former second-round pick.
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Trade rumblings about Mayer date back to this past offseason, and for good reason. First-round tight end Brock Bowers was coming off a prolific rookie campaign, and it made some sense for the Raiders front office to capitalize on their depth at the position.
Mayer ended up sticking around through the offseason and has played a crucial role for Las Vegas in 2025. While the former second-round pick missed two games and was limited in another, he’s still filled in admirably while Bowers has been sidelined with a knee injury. In five starts this season, Mayer has hauled in 12 catches for 107 yards and one touchdown.
Mayer only has a year-plus remaining on his contract, and assuming he won’t garner a second deal from the organization, it would make some sense for the Raiders to start sniffing around at some trade possibilities. TE3 Ian Thomas hasn’t done a whole lot in his limited showing, but with Bowers expected to be back in the lineup for Week 9, the team may not be as concerned about their positional depth moving forward.
While Mayer hasn’t lived up to his draft billing, the Georgia product has still proven that he can coexist with Bowers in the lineup. Pro Football Focus has also elevated him to a top-15 tight end in 2025, although the site still isn’t particularly fond of his blocking ability. Perhaps things change this upcoming offseason, but for the time being, it sounds like Mayer will be sticking in Las Vegas through the 2025 campaign.