Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer has been the subject of constant trade rumors this offseason. It’s easy to understand why. After being the 35th selection in the 2023 NFL draft, the Raiders selected Brock Bowers in 2024. Bowers enjoyed a historically impressive season last year, recording 112 receptions for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns.
Mayers’ numbers were impacted as a result of Bowers’ emergence. He was less effective as a sophomore, accumulating 21 catches for 156 yards and zero touchdowns. Injuries also played a role, with Mayer being limited to just 11 regular-season appearances.
The Raiders are now on their third regime since drafting Mayer. He was selected by then-GM Dave Zeigler. Tom Telesco drafted Bowers, and John Spytek is the new GM. Get all that? The current regime inherited both Mayers and Bowers from previous decision makers, but the latter is an indisputable superstar at a position that doesn’t always require multiple players on the field.
Despite all the whispers and rumors, Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll have, to date, spurned any interest in trading Mayer. That continued belief in developing the third-year playmaker is starting to pay off. Mayer had back-to-back touchdowns in 7-on-7 red-zone drills at Thursday’s practice, per Tashan Reed.
Mayer had back-to-back TDs in 7-on-7 RZ drills. First one was on a corner route and second was an out route. He’s having a good camp thus far.
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) July 31, 2025
Carroll is a throwback coach. As the Raiders attempt to become a run-heavier, more physical offense in 2025, expect Carroll to promote 12 personnel (two tight end sets) with more consistency compared to 2024. There’s room for Mayer in the Raiders’ 2025 offense, and he’s taking full advantage of his opportunities at training camp.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders training camp: Don’t write off TE Michael Mayer yet