The Las Vegas Raiders have signed backup tight end Michael Mayer to a three-year contract extension worth $45 million, with $30 million guaranteed. The deal, reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, makes Mayer the fifth-highest-paid tight end in the league.
This extension comes as the Raiders are dealing with injuries to their starting tight end, Pro Bowler Brock Bowers. Bowers underwent meniscus surgery on his left knee earlier this week and will miss Sunday's season opener against the Dolphins. He is expected to be sidelined for an extended period.
Mayer, a second-round selection in 2023, registered 35 receptions for 328 yards and one touchdown in 13 games last season. His previous career highs were set in 2024 with 64 catches for 680 yards and seven touchdowns across 12 games. Bowers, the 13th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame, has two years remaining on his initial four-year rookie contract, valued at $18.1 million.
Mayer's new average annual value of $15 million places him among the league's top-paid tight ends. He now ranks behind San Francisco's George Kittle, Arizona's Trey McBride, Green Bay's Tucker Kraft (who also signed an extension Saturday reportedly worth up to $92 million over four years), and Atlanta's Kyle Pitts, according to Over the Cap. Mayer's deal was finalized on Saturday, the same day Kraft of the Green Bay Packers also received a contract extension.