Las Vegas Raiders Mull Trading Tight End Michael Mayer Ahead of NFL Draft
Table of Contents
- 1. Las Vegas Raiders Mull Trading Tight End Michael Mayer Ahead of NFL Draft
- 2. Mayer’s Trade Value: What’s the Buzz?
- 3. Potential Trade partners and Scenarios
- 4. Impact on Raiders’ Draft Strategy
- 5. Addressing Potential Counterarguments
- 6. In Other Raiders’ Links:
- 7. how does Mayer’s perceived potential impact the Raiders’ decision to trade him, considering the team’s immediate competitive needs?
- 8. Archyde Interview: NFL Analyst David “The Draft Doctor” Miller on the Raiders’ Michael Mayer Trade Rumors
By Archyde News Staff | Published March 22, 2025
Las Vegas, NV – As the NFL offseason progresses and the 2025 NFL Draft looms, the Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly considering trading tight end Michael Mayer. This potential move comes as teams across the league evaluate their rosters and explore opportunities to acquire draft capital or address pressing needs.
Mayer’s Trade Value: What’s the Buzz?
Michael Mayer, the Raiders’ tight end, has been identified as a potential trade asset. While the team recently acquired veteran quarterback Geno Smith, signaling a potential shift towards immediate competitiveness, questions remain about Mayer’s long-term fit within the Raiders’ offensive scheme.
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.
– Pro Football Focus
Mayer’s relatively limited playing time in the previous season, coupled with performance metrics below expectations, raise questions about his current value.He played only 461 snaps last year. Moreover, his Pro Football Focus (PFF) overall grade has remained below 60.0 through his first two professional seasons.
Though, mayer’s draft pedigree as the 35th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, combined with his age (23), still holds appeal for teams seeking to develop young talent. The Raiders reportedly “are shopping Mayer and are open to trade discussions,” according to reports during the NFL Combine,suggesting that a move is absolutely possible if the right offer materializes.
Despite the potential benefits of trading Mayer, the Raiders face a crucial consideration: the current state of their tight end depth chart. With Harrison Bryant’s departure to the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency,the team’s options at the position are limited. The Raiders also have Brock Bowers and Justin Shorter.
Trading Mayer would exacerbate this issue, possibly requiring the Raiders to seek additional reinforcements at tight end through free agency or the draft. Given this context, the Raiders are likely to demand a considerable return for Mayer.
Potential Trade partners and Scenarios
Identifying potential trade partners for Mayer requires considering teams with a need at tight end, ample draft capital, and a willingness to invest in a young player with upside. Several teams could fit this profile:
- Cincinnati Bengals: Looking for a reliable tight end to complement their explosive offense.
- Washington commanders: In need of offensive weapons to aid their new quarterback.
- Los Angeles Chargers: Could use a solid receiving tight end to replace Gerald Everett.
A potential trade package for Mayer could involve a mid-round draft pick, possibly a third or fourth-rounder, depending on the level of interest and competition among potential suitors.The Raiders could also explore a trade that includes a player who addresses another need on their roster, such as offensive line depth or a young defensive back.
| Team | Needs | Potential Offer |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati Bengals | Tight End, Offensive Line Depth | 2025 4th Round Pick, Veteran Guard |
| Washington Commanders | Tight End, Wide Receiver | 2025 3rd Round Pick |
| Los Angeles Chargers | Tight End, Cornerback | 2025 4th Round Pick, Young Cornerback |
The Raiders must carefully weigh the potential benefits of acquiring additional draft capital against the immediate need for a reliable tight end. If they believe that Mayer’s progress has stalled or that they can find a suitable replacement through the draft or free agency, trading him could be a prudent move.Though, if they value his blocking ability and believe he can still reach his potential, they may opt to retain him and provide him with more opportunities.
Impact on Raiders’ Draft Strategy
The decision to trade or retain Mayer could substantially impact the Raiders’ strategy in the upcoming NFL Draft. If they trade him, they may prioritize selecting a tight end early in the draft, potentially targeting prospects like Cade Stover from Ohio State or Theo Johnson from Penn State. These players offer a combination of receiving ability and blocking prowess that could make them immediate contributors for the Raiders.
Conversely, if the Raiders retain Mayer, they may focus on addressing other needs in the draft, such as offensive tackle, cornerback, or wide receiver.They could still add a tight end later in the draft, but it would likely be a developmental prospect rather than an immediate starter.
Addressing Potential Counterarguments
One potential counterargument to trading Mayer is the risk of creating a void at tight end. The Raiders cannot be sure that they will be able to find a suitable replacement in the draft or free agency.Furthermore, Mayer’s familiarity with the Raiders’ offensive system could be valuable, especially with the addition of a new quarterback in Geno Smith.
However, the Raiders must also consider the possibility cost of keeping Mayer.If they do not believe he will ever reach his full potential, holding onto him could prevent them from acquiring assets that could be used to improve other areas of the team.
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 might potentially be willing to move on from the 24-year-old as 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.”
how does Mayer’s perceived potential impact the Raiders’ decision to trade him, considering the team’s immediate competitive needs?
Archyde Interview: NFL Analyst David “The Draft Doctor” Miller on the Raiders’ Michael Mayer Trade Rumors
Interviewer: Good morning, David, and thanks for joining us. The Las Vegas Raiders are making headlines with potential trade talks involving tight end Michael Mayer. What’s your initial assessment of this situation?
David Miller: Thanks for having me. It’s a interesting situation.Mayer, drafted with high expectations, hasn’t quite hit his stride yet. With the Raiders acquiring Geno Smith, they seem to be gearing up for immediate competitiveness, and that could mean prioritizing players who fit that timeline.
Interviewer: The reports suggest a possible trade because Mayer hasn’t had meaningful playing time and hasn’t met expectations on the performance metrics. How does his draft pedigree factor into the equation?
David Miller: Absolutely.Being the 35th overall pick in the 2023 draft carries weight. He’s young at 23, still with plenty of potential. despite the slow start, teams are always looking for young talent to develop. That draft selection will likely give him a higher trade value than you might expect based on his current stats.
Interviewer: The Raiders’ tight end depth chart appears thin. Would trading Mayer exacerbate this issue, even if there are other players on the roster?
David miller: That’s the crux of the matter. With Harrison Bryant gone, the team needs to consider replacements. Trading Mayer might lead them to the draft early or consider free agency. They will need to get a good return if they trade him, considering the current situation.
Interviewer: Teams like the Bengals,Commanders,and Chargers could be potential trade partners. What kind of package would be realistic for Mayer?
david Miller: A mid-round pick makes sense. Possibly a third or fourth-rounder. A team may offer even include a player to address another need on the roster, such as offensive line depth or a young defensive back.
Interviewer: How does this decision impact the Raiders’ draft strategy?
David Miller: Trading Mayer could see them selecting a tight end early, maybe targeting Cade Stover or Theo Johnson.If they retain Mayer, they might concentrate on different positions in the draft.
Interviewer: If the Raiders keep Mayer, what are the risks versus the rewards? Also, what is a thought-provoking question on the matter?
David Miller: The big question is, does Mayer’s long-term upside outweigh the immediate needs elsewhere? If the Raiders don’t believe he can reach his potential, keeping him could block them from acquiring assets for other positions. However, are the Raiders so sure they can find or develop someone as good as Mayer is projected to be?
Interviewer: Excellent points, David. Thank you for this insightful analysis. It’s critical to consider all angles.
David Miller: My pleasure.
