Could the tight end be on the move ahead of the draft?
With free agency winding down and the NFL Draft roughly a month away, trade rumors are about to start circulating throughout the league as teams look to address remaining roster needs while others hope to acquire more draft capital.
Recently, Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker listed every team’s best trade asset ahead of the draft and named tight end Michael Mayer for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Las Vegas Raiders: TE Michael Mayer
Las Vegas’ offensive blueprint is slowly coming to fruition after the team traded for Geno Smith. The Raiders will definitely look to upgrade their skill-position talent in the draft, but Mayer might not be in those plans.
The Notre Dame product played just 461 snaps last year as he dealt with a personal issue. On top of that, through two pro seasons, he hasn’t even reached a 60.0 PFF overall grade. Yes, Pete Carroll could implement Mayer next to Brock Bowers in 12 personnel, but Mayer has reportedly been floated in trade talks. The 23-year-old could be sought after if offered.
As Locker noted, The Athletic’s Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed reported during the NFL Combine that the Raiders are shopping Mayer and are open to trade discussions. So, the former Fighting Irishman could be on the move this spring. He was a highly-touted draft prospect and the 35th overall pick (second round) just two years ago, meaning there’s bound to be at least one other club interested in Mayer.
However, the Raiders might not get much of a return for the two-year veteran since he hasn’t been productive with just 48 catches for 460 yards and two touchdowns in 25 career games.
Also, the only other tight ends on Las Vegas’ roster are Brock Bowers and Justin Shorter after Harrison Bryant signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency. Bowers and Shorter (a converted wide receiver) aren’t known for their blocking skills while Mayer can contribute in the running game. Thus, trading the latter would create a need for a blocking tight end and make a thin position group even thinner.
In other words, it will probably take a strong offer for the Raiders to trade Mayer. But if there’s a team willing to meet the Silver and Black’s pricetag, don’t rule out the 2023 second-round pick having a short tenure with the club.
In Other Raiders’ Links:
- Steelers writers weigh in on Elandon Roberts: “Roberts brought physicality, attitude and excellent vision on early downs,” Behind the Steel Curtain’s Ryan Parrish told Silver and Black Pride. “If you want one play that summarizes what Roberts brings, look no further than this goal line rep against Dallas last year. As a run defender, Roberts is still a baller.”
- Ashton Jeanty at No. 6 overall?: “The Boise St. running back is the definition of a home-run hitter at the position. He had 36 carries over 15 yards, displaying his breakaway speed at the position. When you mix that with his vision and patience, it creates explosive plays for the offense,” S&BP’s Marcus Johnson wrote in his film breakdown of the Boise State running back.
- Could Kenneth Walker III reunite with Pete Carroll?: “Raiders head coach Pete Carroll can call his former team and inquire about Kenneth Walker III,” Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton wrote. “Seattle may be willing to move on from the 24-year-old because of his declining production and recent injuries. He’s seen a drop-off in his rushing numbers since his 2022 rookie season.”
- CBS Sports mocks Shedeur Sanders to LVR: “Las Vegas traded for Geno Smith. To me, that suggests it wants to be competitive right now, which would suggest it is not using draft capital to trade up for Cam Ward,” Josh Edwards wrote. “However, it could be similar to last year when Atlanta signed Kirk Cousins, then drafted Michael Penix Jr. The Raiders may not believe they will be in a position to draft this high again for awhile and therefore take their swing on a quarterback of the future.”