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Michael Mayer
TE · LV

Michael Mayer

Position TE
Team LV
Bye Week —
PPR Rank —

Michael Mayer

NFL tight end. Position: TE. Team: LV (Las Vegas Raiders).

Quick Facts

  • Position: TE
  • Team: LV (Las Vegas Raiders)
  • College: Notre Dame
  • Draft: 2nd round (35th overall), 2023 NFL Draft
  • Age: 25

2026 Outlook

Michael Mayer heads into the final year of his rookie contract with significant upside under HC Klint Kubiak's offensive scheme. He's a sneaky talent with size to function as a blocker but surprising speed and soft hands to be a trusted target in the red zone. Despite only 3 touchdowns in his first three NFL seasons, Mayer's skill set aligns perfectly with Kubiak's heavy multiple tight-end packages (12-personnel). Mayer connected with Kirk Cousins for a 13-yard touchdown pass on the opening drive of the Raiders' preseason opener vs. Arizona (Aug 16), showcasing his reliability as a red-zone option. With opportunity created by Kubiak's scheme and Brock Bowers drawing coverage as the lead target, Mayer could have his most productive season in 2026 (per The candidates who'll lead the Raiders in scoring this season - Yahoo Sports).

Expanded role due to Bowers injury (Sept 9): With Brock Bowers sidelined for at least the first two weeks due to meniscus surgery, Mayer will take on a much larger role early in the season (per Sources: Brock Bowers (knee) to miss at least Raiders' opener - ESPN). This unexpected opportunity could help Mayer build chemistry with Kirk Cousins and prove his value in Kubiak's system before Bowers returns.

Week 1 breakout performance (Sept 18): Mayer delivered elite efficiency filling in for Bowers, leading all Raiders players in targets with 7 and running second in routes (24), behind only WR Tre Tucker (27). He converted 7 targets into 6 receptions for 32 yards and 9.32 PPR points. Among 24 TEs with 20+ routes in Week 1, his 0.292 targets per route run ranked third behind Trey McBride (0.382) and Isaiah Likely (0.348). If Bowers remains unavailable in Week 2 vs. Miami, Mayer projects as a streaming candidate against a Chargers defense that allowed McBride to dominate (9-95-1). (per Fantasy Football Usage Report: Jacory Croskey-Merritt rises, Josh Downs raises concerns).

Contract extension (Sept 12): Mayer signed a multi-year extension just before the 2026 season kicked off, securing his spot as the team's secondary tight end. The deal includes 3 new years totaling $45 million ($15M/year average) plus a $9M signing bonus and 2026 salary fully guaranteed at $2.5M. From the signing date, it's a 4-year, $47.02M deal ($11.755M/year average) with $22.5M fully guaranteed, putting him among the league's highest-paid tight ends. The extension rewards his reliability in Kubiak's system despite modest career output (783 receiving yards, 3 TDs in first three seasons). With Bowers temporarily out, Mayer will handle significant reps and should produce immediately in the red zone (per Inside the Michael Mayer deal).

Kubiak's scheme depth (July 17): Silver and Black Pride breaks down how Kubiak's personnel packages create a multi-TE ecosystem. The Raiders will deploy 12-personnel (1 RB, 2 TE) regularly, with 13 and 23-personnel three-TE packages used strategically to confuse defenses. Mayer functions as the secondary target in these sets—a traditional blocking TE who can surprise as a pass-catcher. Veterans like Ian Thomas and fullback Connor Heyward handle tertiary TE/blocking roles, positioning Mayer as the clear #2 receiving option behind Bowers in what Kubiak has designed as a high-volume passing offense built around multiple tight-end looks. (per Klint Kubiak's multiple tight end sets means Raiders' depth is critical)

Weeks 1-2 starter production (Sept 23): With Bowers sidelined by meniscus surgery through Week 2, Mayer continued in the starting role with solid efficiency. Through two games, he posted 9 receptions for 55 yards, serving as the Raiders' primary receiving target from the tight end position. While the yardage totals are modest, Mayer's ability to convert targets into receptions demonstrates his value as a red-zone option under Kubiak's system. The Raiders won both games without Bowers, establishing themselves as 2-0 heading into Week 3. Upon Bowers' return, Mayer will transition back to his secondary role in Kubiak's multi-TE set. (per Brock Bowers Injury Update, Return Timeline Revealed in Latest NFL Rumors After...)

Week 3 waiver wire drop recommendation (Sep 22): FantasyPros marks Mayer as a "droppable" player heading into Week 3, citing unspectacular performance (9-55-0 on 11 targets) and Bowers' imminent return. The analysis notes that even without Bowers returning this week, Mayer wouldn't provide value as a streaming option against the Saints' tough pass defense. The expectation is for Mayer to lose volume once Bowers returns, negating the temporary starting-role advantage he's enjoyed in Weeks 1-2 (per 12 Fantasy Football Players to Drop or Hold (Week 3 Waiver Wire) - FantasyPros).

Role / Depth Chart

Primary tight end while Brock Bowers recovers from meniscus surgery (Week 1-2). Secondary tight end in Klint Kubiak's multiple tight-end system, leveraging red-zone opportunity as a trusted target. Transitions back to secondary role upon Bowers' return, though Week 1 performance (7 targets, 6 catches, 32 yards) demonstrated elite efficiency as a fill-in starter.

Injury Status

Healthy entering 2026.

Recent News

Open Questions

Sources

Coaches shaping Michael's role

Klint KubiakHead CoachAndrew JanockoOffensive CoordinatorJoe WoodsPass Game Coordinator/Defensive BacksNick HolzOffensive Pass Game CoordinatorBen WilkersonAssistant Offensive LineLuke SteckelTight EndsRick DennisonOffensive Line

What the Experts Are Saying

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