Michael Mayer's availability wouldn't normally be a talking point.
At just 23 years old, the former second-round pick of the Las Vegas Raiders entered the National Football League as a pro-ready prospect with a complete game—a well-rounded tight end who was supposed to be a long-term fixture for their offense. However, the Raiders’ selection of Brock Bowers in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft has changed the equation.
While Mayer held promise, Bowers raises the bar to new levels at tight end, which means the former is now TE2 at best. That makes him an asset worth considering for outside teams who might be able to pry away a valuable competitor. And if the Raiders are willing to listen, the Kansas City Chiefs should be among the first to inquire.
While inter-division trades are rare, particularly between bitter rivals like Kansas City and Las Vegas, the reality is that Mayer’s value may no longer align with the Raiders' plans. Vegas couldn't pass up the chance to draft a generational talent in Bowers, and while that was an instant and obvious win for the Raiders, it also signals a golden opportunity for outsiders.
If only the Raiders will listen to the Chiefs.
The Chiefs have to at least make the call to the Raiders to check on Michael Mayer.
Travis Kelce remains one of the most productive tight ends in football, but the Chiefs must plan for the future. Kelce has defied age and expectations for the most part, but he's also made it clear that he's in the twilight of his career and last year saw a noticeable decline in his production and effectiveness.
The Chiefs aren't exactly bereft of talent at the position, even behind Kelce, but there's definitely room for one more promising player on the roster. Noah Gray is locked up through 2026, while Jared Wiley—last season's fourth-round selection—will attempt to return from injury to restore his promise. Given the combination of age and injury going forward, however, Mayer would make for a nice addition at the right price.
The financial aspect is appealing here for the Chiefs. Mayer is still on a rookie contract, which would allow K.C. to bring in a potential long-term contributor without compromising cap flexibility. And while Las Vegas may hesitate to deal with a division rival, it's not unprecedented for a franchise to make a pragmatic move when the value is right.
The Chiefs can always turn to the 2025 NFL Draft to add to the mix, and that would give them a young player on a four-year deal, so perhaps that's the right way to go. But if K.C. could get away with waiting until day three of the draft, it would be interesting to see if Vegas would sell low on a former day two pick to the Chiefs. That would allow Brett Veach to address other positions early and still address tight end with a high-value asset.
Even if a trade doesn’t materialize, the Chiefs owe it to themselves to explore the possibility. Because if Mayer is even remotely available, it's a call worth making for K.C. (and every team).
