LV 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).
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)
Role / Depth Chart
Secondary tight end in Klint Kubiak's multiple tight-end system, leveraging red-zone opportunity as a trusted target.
Injury Status
Healthy entering 2026.
Recent News
- 2026-07-07 — 2026 Position Breakdown: Brock Bowers, Michael Mayer tandem defines tight end room (2026 Position Breakdown: Brock Bowers, Michael Mayer tandem defines tight end room)
- 2026-08-16 — Michael Mayer scores TD in Raiders preseason debut vs. Arizona (The candidates who'll lead the Raiders in scoring this season - Yahoo Sports)