According to league sources, the Las Vegas Raiders have had discussions with teams who have interest in tight end Michael Mayer. The team's second-round selection in 2023, Mayer hasn't had the type of impact the Raiders were hoping for, which is why they took Brock Bowers in the first round in 2024. Not only did Bowers become a first-team All-Pro in his rookie season, but Mayer had only 27 catches for 304 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games in his first year in 2023. He missed six games last season due to personal reasons and was barely heard from as Bowers excelled. It makes more sense for Vegas to trade Mayer for assets, and since he'll be on a team-friendly deal for two more years, there should be several teams that are interested. Mayer was completely off the fantasy radar in 2024, but he could resurface as a sleeper if he's traded to a team that utilizes him much more as a pass-catcher.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer caught all four of his targets for 21 yards during Sunday's Week 18 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Mayer has been routinely out-produced by Brock Bowers this season, but that didn't stop him from playing 81.3 percent of the offensive snaps in the Raiders' regular-season finale. That represented his second-highest rate of the season, and it showed that the Raiders can have success operating out of two-tight end sets. Mayer finished his second pro season with 21 catches and 156 yards through 10 games, remaining a solid short-yardage outlet for quarterback Aidan O'Connell while Bowers did more work downfield and after the catch. There's no question that Bowers remains the No. 1 tight end in Las Vegas (and all of fantasy football), but Mayer could sneak onto the end of the fantasy radar in deeper PPR leagues next season.
Michael Mayer Is Avoidable For Regular-Season Finale
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer has decent upside, but has been stuck as the primary backup to Brock Bowers this season. That being said, Mayer hasn't done much this season outside of a seven-catch performance in Week 14. Since then, Mayer has two receptions for 25 yards over the last three games. The 23-year-old has played over 60 percent of the offensive snaps over the last five games. However, he's unlikely to be a viable fantasy option with Bowers healthy. Mayer might be worth holding in dynasty leagues, but isn't someone worth streaming for the Week 18 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer brought in 7-of-9 targets for 68 yards in Sunday's 28-13 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The second-year TE easily set all-new season highs with his performance on Sunday, while his reception total and yardage output were good enough to lead the Raiders' offense in the defeat. Mayer was second on the team in targets only to wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. It's intriguing usage for the 23-year-old, as he out-produced rookie sensation Brock Bowers for the first time this season. Additionally, it's hard to predict this kind of usage moving forward, particularly with it looking like quarterback Desmond Ridder taking over after Aidan O'Connell (knee) was carted off in an air cast. For now, fantasy managers would be better off taking a wait-and-see approach with Mayer. He'll get the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday but likely won't be on the fantasy radar.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (personal) is active for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. He had been listed as questionable despite being a full participant in practice this week. A personal matter had sidelined Mayer since Week 4, but he was activated from injured reserve on Saturday and is officially suiting up in Week 11. He'll presumably operate as the direct backup to Brock Bowers. Mayer remains off the fantasy radar for the time being.
The Las Vegas Raiders activated tight end Michael Mayer (personal) from the Non-Football Illness list on Saturday before the Week 11 contest on Sunday on the road against the Miami Dolphins. It's a big lift for the Raiders offensively, but Mayer is a poor TE2 streamer given the team's offensive struggles this year under quarterback Gardner Minshew II. Mayer has also taken a clear back seat to impressive rookie tight end Brock Bowers in 2024. The 23-year-old was listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report, so he still isn't a lock to suit up on Sunday, although being activated from the NFI list is a good sign for his availability this weekend. Mayer hasn't played since the Week 3 loss to the Carolina Panthers and hasn't even reached 2.0 half-PPR points in his three games played in 2024. He only has four catches on seven targets for 21 yards this year.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (personal) has a chance at making his return to the field against the Miami Dolphins in Week 11. Mayer hasn't played since September due to a personal matter. However, it sounds like he's on the verge of returning as Mayer is listed as questionable for this weekend. He's hauled in four of his seven targets for 21 yards through three games this season. Mayer is unlikely to have much fantasy value with Brock Bowers emerging as the primary option at tight end. Mayer figures to have a minor role behind Bowers once he's cleared to play.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (personal) has returned to practice this week and could be available to play this Sunday in Week 11 against the Miami Dolphins. The Raiders are coming off their bye week, but Mayer has missed the team's last six games while tending to personal matters. If Mayer is cleared to play this week, he may not see the field as much as he normally would as he works himself back into shape. The 23-year-old tight end wasn't a realistic option for starting fantasy lineups before leaving the team, though, with rookie Brock Bowers serving as Vegas' top pass-catching TE. Before leaving the team, Mayer had only four receptions on seven targets for 21 yards and no touchdowns in his three games played. He should remain on the waiver wire in most leagues unless Bowers misses time with an injury.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (personal) has been sidelined with a non-football-related issue for over a month, but head coach Antonio Pierce said that the 23-year-old is "getting close" to making his return. Mayer played a depth role through three games at the start of the season, catching just four passes for 21 yards and zero touchdowns. He remains buried behind rookie Brock Bowers and should be avoided in all fantasy leagues, even if he returns as soon as he's eligible in Week 11.
Michael Mayer Placed On Reserve/Non-Football Injury List
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (personal) was placed on the reserve/Non-Football Injury and Illness list, according to Field Yates of ESPN. Mayer has not suited up since Week 3 due to a personal matter and is now expected to miss more time. The Notre Dame product enjoyed a productive rookie campaign, as he caught 27 passes for 304 yards and two scores. While Mayer remains away from the team, fantasy managers should expect rookie Brock Bowers to continue to see the vast majority of snaps at the position, and remains a high-end option for the foreseeable future.
Michael Mayer
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Raiders
