Michael Mayer will have one less thing to worry about as he begins the season as the Las Vegas Raiders starting tight end.
His contract status is no longer a quesiton.
Saturday night, in a bit of a surprising move, the Raiders gave the prospective 2027 free agent a three-year contract extension worth a total of $45 million with $30 million in guaranteed money according to NFL Media.
It is a clear commitment to the tight end position by the Raiders. They fully see a future that will feature star Brock Bowers and Mayer for the foreseeable future in Klint Kubiak’s offense. Mayer, a second-round pick in 2023, is currently averaging the fourth highest contract for a tight end and he makes more money than any of the Raiders’ wide receivers.
Bowers will very likely become the highest paid tight end in the NFL when he is eligible for an extension after this season.
Bowers is currently out with a knee injury and Mayer will be the starter in the meantime. Mayer has had his moments, but consistency has been an issue. He has 83 career receptions with a high of 35 last season. The team clearly thinks he will elevate his game under Kubiak.
The Raiders’ 2027 free agent class wasn’t expected t feature many must-keep players. Now, with Mayer secured, perhaps the team will consider extending wide receiver Tre Tucker.
