The impact of Brock Bowers on the Las Vegas Raiders is undeniable.
The rookie tight end was sensational in 2024, despite the Raiders lacking a bona fide starting quarterback. Breaking numerous rookie records and winning All-Pro honors, Bowers looks set to dominate the NFL for a long time. Regardless of whether the Raiders see themselves in a retool or rebuild, Bowers is going to factor in to the discussion somehow.
Bowers’ presence is also enough for new head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek to consider making a serious change to the roster.
The Raiders have made tight end Michael Mayer available for trade.
According to The Athletic’s Tashan Reed, the Raiders appear willing to part with their second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
“The Raiders have had discussions with teams who have interest in tight end Michael Mayer, according to league sources,” Reed wrote.
Last season, the Raiders hoped Bowers and Mayer could form an elite one-two punch at tight end, but it never materialized.
Mayer missed six games last season for personal reasons and, by the time he returned to the field, Bowers was already on a blistering pace. As a result, Mayer seems destined for a limited role in the Raiders’ offense, prompting the team to see what they can get out of him in a deal. While Mayer’s stats are somewhat disappointing so far (48 receptions for 460 yards and two touchdowns so far), his draft pedigree and well-rounded game will attract attention.
Despite a talented tight end class coming into the league through the draft, some teams will be interested in bringing Mayer along.
The Cincinnati Bengals are a team that is a natural fit, due to likely losing starting tight end Mike Gesicki in free agency and needing cheap offensive help to compensate for the high price tags of wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Other teams in need of answers at the position include the Los Angeles Chargers, Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts. The Raiders should not expect to get much more than a Day Three pick back, but that pick will give Carroll and Spytek another opportunity to build their vision of the team.
Current circumstances did not favor Mayer in this situation, and it appears the Raiders are willing to give him a chance at a fresh start.
