The Las Vegas Raiders are heading into one of the most pivotal offseasons in franchise history, and one that could potentially see them skyrocket from worst to first.
That said, there are undoubtedly going to be some tough decisions that the Raiders’ front office has to make, and one could revolve around a player that hasn’t enjoyed the amount of success he expected when first drafted by the team: tight end Michael Mayer.
Michael Mayer Listed as a Top Trade Target
Mayer, 24, is entering the final year of his $9.3 million rookie deal, and has just three touchdowns and 788 receiving yards in three seasons with the Raiders. And according to Bleacher Report, he could be a top trade target for both the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos.
Panthers:
“There are a few tight ends who are probably underutilized by their current teams. Cole Kmet has been eclipsed by Colston Loveland while Brock Bowers overshadows Michael Mayer in Vegas. Either could lead the Panthers tight end room and give Bryce Young a strong target to work with.”
Broncos:
“Evan Engram will be 32 in September and wasn’t as productive as Denver needed him to be. Targeting a younger tight end like Michael Mayer could be a cost-effective way of getting better at the position long-term.”
There are a few problems with this. One is, in today’s NFL, more teams are starting to utilize 12-personnel more (1 running back, 2 tight ends). Even if guys like Kmet and Mayer aren’t racking up the stat sheet, their impact can still be felt in a positive way through blocking and opening up opportunities for other guys.
Another problem is that Mayer won’t be a cost-effective solution. Sure, he’ll be on a cheaper contract next season, but after that, he’ll be due for a second contract that could be around $10 million annually with how today’s TEs are being paid.
Even projected No. 1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza, had this to say about 12 personnel in an appearance on Caleb Pressley’s Sundae Conversation.
“I mean I love myself 12 personnel. Two tight ends. Too attached.”
However, don’t rule out one path the Raiders could take with Mayer this offseason.
Why Trading Mayer Away Could Make Sense for the Raiders
Again, even if Mayer hasn’t put up the stats everyone wants to see, he’s still a valuable piece of the Raiders’ offense. Nonetheless, he’s entering the final year of his contract, and the Raiders could decide to go another route.
Trading Mayer away to gain back some draft capital and drafting a tight end who could complement Bowers in 12 personnel packages could be a win-win situation for Las Vegas.
They’ll gain a young TE in the first year of his rookie deal while recouping some draft capital by trading Mayer away. It could also be a chance for someone like Mayer to have a featured role on an offense without a dominant TE like Bowers or Loveland.
Either way, teams across the league will likely check in on Mayer’s availability, and the Raiders shouldn’t hesitate to pick up the phone.
Raiders’ $9.3M Weapon Listed as Top Trade Target for Panthers, Broncos