AFC contender the Las Vegas Raiders may trade for former second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and tight end, Michael Mayer this offseason. According to Pro Football Network, a trade proposal would send the Mayer and a future draft pick to the Colts in exchange for a second-round pick. However, one source claims the Raiders could ship him to the New York Jets for some draft capital. The trade makes sense since Las Vegas was able to draft another heavy tight end, Brock Bowers in this year’s draft which raises questions about Mayer’s future.
New Raiders offensive Coordinator, Luke Getsy was able to run two tight ends last season with the Bears, rating in the league’s seventh-highest rate (23.5%). However, things may change since first-year general manager Tom Telesco had no role in drafting Mayer so he may be willing to deal with him in a trade package. They might recoup a second-round choice and another draft pick for 2025.
However, the Colts were a favorite for Bowers so they may make a big push for Mayer to add to their roster depth. The Jets had Mayer high on their draft board last offseason so it might come down to these two teams to make an offer. They had an interest in the Notre Dame product that they had him No. 2 on their draft board last year. The only player that was higher was the player they selected out of Iowa State, Will Mcdonald.
However, the glaring issue with this year’s draft for the Jets was the lack of tight ends. According to Matt Holder of Bleacher Report, the tight end position is the biggest weakness for the team on their roster. Bowers’ selection may still be a surprise since Mayer’s draft last year.
AFC Contender New York Jets May Trade for Former Second-Round Pick Michael Mayer
What the future looks like for him
According to ESPN, it was a true mystery that the Raiders made the selection for Bowers considering already having Mayer on their roster. This is probably the first step for Mayer to see the door on his way out for a new NFL home. He’s still receiving a lot of praise for his blocking abilities and can be an extension for a struggling offensive line. Mayer is one of those safe players that you can trade for that is still on his rookie contract.
He still has three years left of cheap control on his current deal. This means whoever ends up attempting to trade for him won’t have to give up so much. One source says the anticipation is for Bowers to get all the snaps after the expectation to see Mayer’s big leap in his second year. He may have his breakout season with a different team this upcoming fall. However, many are expecting that Getsy will use the same system as he did in Chicago with the tight ends.
Every team’s system is different and it may mean fewer opportunities for Mayer. He was starting to find his game midway last season, notching 304 yards and two touchdowns on 27 receptions. Here are some other possible team trade fits for Mayer.
Possible Team Trade Fits
It’s not the biggest need but the Dallas Cowboys could use another tight end to pair with Jake Ferguson. The goal is to give Dak Prescott protection to be able to make plays and Mayer could be a good asset for that. However, one fit that makes sense with that is the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have been utilizing Mark Andrews plenty of times in play-action plays. This means they plan to do the same so maximizing Mayer with Andrews in those opportunities could reveal his true potential.
The Chargers are another possible fit considering they weren’t able to retain Gerald Everett since his departure for the Bears. They were able to sign Will Dissly for his replacement but Mayer could bring a young upside to the roster. One last trade spot that makes sense is teaming with one of the best tight ends, Travis Kelce in Kansas City. Kelce isn’t going to be around amid the retirement rumors.
He isn’t going anywhere now but that day may come soon and the Chiefs could start early to prepare.
