Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer is a popular trade target, and for good reason. Selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Notre Dame product has been a league-average player during his first two seasons in the league, which is normally a fine thing. However, with superstar Brock Bowers already on the roster, Mayer has no clear path to a featured role. Now in the thick of the offseason, head coach Pete Carroll spoke positively about the third-year tight end in what was likely an attempt to boost his trade value.
“I thought Mike had a great offseason,” Carroll said. “We started out going heart to heart with him to understand what we’re all about. And he embraced it and took it as well as anybody could take the challenge of bringing it day in and day out. He had a great camp.”
For those unfamiliar with offseason hype pieces, this is the type of language coaches use when trying to inflate a player’s value. Perhaps Mayer could become a starting-caliber player, but he’ll never be better than Bowers. A trade would be the best thing in the world for Michael Mayer, and the following four teams could roll the dice on the veteran.
Raiders Could Trade Michael Mayer Following Pete Carroll’s Comments
Next Teams
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers were reportedly connected to Jonnu Smith in trade talks, but they could pivot to Michael Mayer. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith prefers to run his offense with two reliable tight ends, and right now, he only has one in Pat Freiermuth. While Michael Mayer would still be the TE2 in this trade scenario, Smith’s scheme should allow both players to flourish with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. This team needs to do something to finally make it past the Wild Card round, and Mayer’s presence could open up a new dimension for this offense.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints need all the playmakers they can get, especially with rookie Tyler Shough likely to start the year under center. The tight end position can be a key safety blanket for young quarterbacks, so it’s important New Orleans provide Shough with an adequate checkdown option throughout his rookie season. Juwan Johnson and Taysom Hill are tight ends in name only, so Michael Mayer can provide more traditional production with a trade.
Washington Commanders
Zach Ertz is back for another season with the Washington Commanders, but the longtime veteran isn’t getting any younger. Perhaps second-year tight end Ben Sinnott can establish himself as a key part of Jayden Daniels’ passing attack, but it wouldn’t hurt to trade for a safer option in Michael Mayer. The Commanders have the biggest competitive advantage in sports: a franchise quarterback on a rookie contract. The time is now to go all-in and try to win a Super Bowl before Daniels resets the quarterback market with his second professional contract.
Baltimore Ravens
This is an admittedly odd fit at first glance, as the Ravens have two starting-caliber tight ends in Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. However, Andrews is entering the final year of his deal and currently carries a staggering $16.9 million cap hit. Baltimore can clear $11 million by trading him, and Likely is capable of handling the starting job. Adding Michael Mayer to the mix via trade will ensure this team has a competent TE2 while freeing up some much-needed money for one of the game’s best rosters.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images
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