New Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek is proving to be a deal-maker. He’s already pulled off several trades, including a blockbuster deal to add quarterback Geno Smith and a recent deal to swap Jakorian Bennett for defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV.
As the 2025 season closes in, the Raiders will have a better idea of whether they will be able to contend for a championship. If they think that they’re closer than previously expected, Spytek might want to take a big swing on a trade for a star player.
Wide receiver is one of the areas of concern for the team, as they don’t have a true No. 1. The Miami Dolphins could still be open to trading away Tyreek Hill after entertaining the idea earlier in the offseason.
Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report pitched a trade that sends Hill to the Raiders for tight end Michael Mayer, a 2026 fifth-round draft pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick.
“Geno Smith is a veteran quarterback in need of a legitimate weapon at wide receiver,” Sobleski wrote. “The Raiders don’t have a reliable option beyond Jakobi Meyers, who isn’t an explosive option, either.
“Hill can immediately enter the lineup as the clear WR1 without every taking a practice snap with the squad. Head coach Pete Carroll enters this season as the oldest coach in NFL history at 73.”
Is Mayer Expendable?
Mayer has been impressing coaches at Raiders training camp. The former second-round pick hasn’t been able to find a consistent role due to injuries and the addition of Brock Bowers.
Mayer still has the potential to be a very good tight end at the NFL level, but he might need to leave the Raiders to get a better chance. Sobleski believes that the team would be fine moving on with him.
“Because of Bowers’ presence, fellow TE Michael Mayer is expendable,” Sobleski wrote. “Granted, the Raiders can easily move forward with both on the roster. Hill presents a different dynamic, though. Besides, Hill in the Raiders lineup gives the team a much better chance to compete in the stacked AFC West.
“In return, the Dolphins should be intrigued by adding the 24-year-old Mayer, especially after trading Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
This Trade Could Make Some Sense for Raiders
Hill is one of the best wide receivers of the last decade. He’s been named First-Team All-Pro five times and Second-Team All-Pro once. He’s coming off a down year, but that’s mostly due to the Dolphins having quarterback injuries last season.
An offensive trio of Hill, Bowers and Ashton Jeanty would be one of the most exciting in the NFL. Quarterback Geno Smith certainly wouldn’t mind having those weapons to play with.
The trade that Sobleski pitches wouldn’t require the Raiders to give up significant draft capital, so the risk isn’t too great. The only concern is that Hill might be looking for a new contract soon, which could cause a headache if he doesn’t get paid. That said, he still has two more years on his current deal.
