The Las Vegas Raiders’ offense was a major disappointment last season, and not just because of below-average quarterback play. The team expected big contributions from second-year tight end Michael Mayer and third-year running back Zamir White, but both were disappointments.
Mayer was quickly supplanted by outstanding rookie Brock Bowers and missed six games for personal reasons. But even when he was on the field, he barely contributed with just 21 catches and no touchdowns on the season. And now it looks as if he could be on the move.
According to Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed of The Athletic, the Raiders have had discussions with multiple teams that have an interest in trading for Michael Mayer:
The Raiders have had discussions with teams who have interest in tight end Michael Mayer, according to league sources. Mayer hasn’t had the impact the Raiders hoped for when he was drafted in the second round in 2023. He had just 27 catches for 304 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games as a rookie. He missed six games due to personal reasons in 2024 and was delegated to a marginal role due to the ascent of tight end Brock Bowers, who was named a first-team All-Pro.
Mayer was one of the top prospects at his position in 2023, and most felt the Raiders got an absolute steal when he dropped to the second round. He showed some promise that year but took a step back in 2024, though there are clearly some teams who still believe in his potential. With Bowers already establishing himself as one of the best tight ends in the game, the Raiders could get some draft capital back by dealing Mayer.
Mayer may not be the only player on the block either, as White, who came into 2024 as the Raiders starting running back, is also believed to be available via trade as well:
Running back Zamir White is also believed to be available if some teams want to take a chance on a 2022 fourth-round pick who had some great moments in 2023 before falling off due to scheme, vision and injuries last season.
White was excellent for the Raiders down the stretch of 2023, but was a big disappointment last year with Alexander Mattison, Ameer Abdullah and Sincere McCormick all surpassing him during the year. The Raiders are looking to take a big leap in 2025, and neither White nor Mayer seems to be in their plans for the future.
Raiders meet with Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders at NFL Scouting Combine
Speaking of future plans, the Raiders still have to find their long-term answer at quarterback, and the franchise has long been linked to University of Colorado superstar QB Shedeur Sanders. The team would meet with Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, at the recent NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
Sanders would say that if the Raiders want him to come to Las Vegas for a visit, he would be willing to do so as well, though with them currently sitting at the sixth overall pick, it is no guarantee that Sanders will drop to them.
