Michael Mayer has always been a highly touted and very talented player. A five-star recruit coming out of high school, he recorded 42 catches as a true freshman, and followed that with a pair of 800+ yard years in which he totaled 138 catches and 16 touchdowns at Notre Dame. Now, he finds himself in a bit of a bind.
With then-head coach Antonio Pierce at the helm, the Raiders looked to get more talented through the 13th pick in the 2024 draft. They did exactly that, selecting Brock Bowers, who had nearly 1,200 yards as a rookie and vaulted himself into the running for the best tight end in the league in just twelve months.
Now, Mayer, the former 35th overall pick is solidified as the TE2 in Vegas.
Initially, it was thought that Mayer could be available, with Miami being a frontrunner. Now, it appears Mayer is off the table for all teams, as reported by Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review. Miami's actions further signify this with Darren Waller coming out of retirement to play for them.
The @Raiders have no interest in trading Michael Mayer. https://t.co/4cJyTXT4hX
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) June 30, 2025
Michael Mayer isn't a fit for the Patriots, anyway
I recently wrote about Kyle Pitts not being a fit in New England, and naturally, I think the same would have to be said for Mayer. While both would be interesting trade and stash options, the TE room is dense at the moment.
Hunter Henry has multiple years left on his deal, and Austin Hooper's productive 2024 was rewarded with an extension. While Mayer was drafted by McDaniels, Henry, and Hooper were each brought in by McDaniels either as an OC or HC. The former coach card doesn't seem playable.
Additionally, Vegas wouldn't likely gain much from a Mayer deal. 48 catches for 460 yards and a pair of touchdowns over two seasons isn't much, and if they are trying to be competitive in the short term with the additions of Pete Carroll and Geno Smith, it helps to have as much talent as possible. Imagine if Brock Bowers were to go down with an injury: do Ian Thomas and Justin Shorter inspire?
Mayer would be unlikely to be excited at the prospect of moving from TE2 to TE2 from Vegas to New England. Perhaps a team that has a more pressing need at the position could have been an option, such as the aforementioned Dolphins.
The Patriots may be disappointed in the Raiders' unwillingness to move a talented tight end, but they should be thankful their division rival didn't snag him. Given Jonnu Smith's resurrection under Mike McDaniel, there's no telling what he might have been able to do with Mayer.