With free agency calming down and the Draft still a month away, NFL teams are looking at the trade market to see if they can find a way to fill out any gaps in their roster.
The Las Vegas Raiders are no exception to this rule. They have already solved their largest issue at quarterback via trade with Geno Smith, and they still have plenty of resources to swing another deal. With $35.5 million in cap space according to Spotrac, as well as nine draft picks this year, the Raiders are in a great position to add key contributors to their roster.
As it turns out, the Raiders also have a young player on their roster who could be worth shopping to teams in need.
The Raiders could be open to trading a former high pick from a previous regime.
According to Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker, the player with the most trade value for the Raiders is none other than tight end Michael Mayer.
“The Raiders will definitely look to upgrade their skill-position talent in the draft, but Mayer might not be in those plans,” wrote Locker.
“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.”
Mayer was highly touted coming out of Notre Dame in 2023, but he has never turned into the game-breaking option the Raiders hoped for.
From the moment the Raiders selected Brock Bowers in the first round of the 2024 draft, Mayer’s spot as the tight end of the future was in jeopardy. Bowers’ record-breaking rookie season only saw Mayer move further down the pecking order in the Raiders’ passing attack, and missing six games last season with a personal issue only widened the gap between the two. At this point, it is doubtful that Mayer will get the opportunity he wants in Las Vegas, and that could prompt him to request a trade.
However, new head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly could have a different plan of action for Mayer.
Should the Raiders trade Mayer, the only tight end left on the roster behind Bowers is undrafted free agent Justin Shorter. Neither he or Bowers is known for their run-blocking prowess, while Mayer could slot into two-TE sets as a blocking option and secondary receiving threat. Opening another gap in the roster is an ill-advised strategy, especially with how many the Raiders have as is.
However, if a team is willing to bet on Mayer’s upside and gives the Raiders the price they want for him, they would be foolish to not at least listen.
