Michael Mayer doesn’t need to become a superstar for the Las Vegas Raiders offense to take a major step forward. He just needs to become the weapon Las Vegas has been waiting for.
Despite adding Jalen Nailor in free agency, the Raiders’ wide receiver room is still a weakness. Brock Bowers is the top receiving threat, but there is a huge gap after him. Tre Tucker and Jack Bech have yet to solidify themselves as reliable targets in this offense. Mayer, however, showed his receiving potential in his 2026 debut, giving the team a glimpse of another option in the passing game.
That potential was on display when Las Vegas lost 27-14 to the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday in its first preseason matchup. With Bowers sitting out, Mayer stepped up in a major way.
Michael Mayer will have his first opportunity for targets
Important to note, the former Notre Dame tight end was a 2023 second-round pick. In his rookie season, No. 87 shared the field with Davante Adams, Josh Jacobs and Jakobi Meyers. On top of that, the Silver and Black signed Austin Hooper in free agency to be the starting tight end. As a result, Mayer’s receiving ability could not be showcased because of the immense talent surrounding him.
Before he knew it, the young rookie was surrounded by proven veteran talent. The Raiders have also struggled to add a competent starting quarterback to unleash Mayer’s talent. That will change in 2026. The franchise has added several veteran quarterbacks in free agency over the years, but never a first-round quarterback, until now.
Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza are two additions that could change the trajectory of the fourth-year tight end.
The Raiders want to have a physical run game
Although Bowers is the more talented player, Mayer has proven to be more physically dominant. Alongside Ashton Jeanty, rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. looks like a talented playmaker in his own right. As a result, head coach Kliff Kubiak will likely call plays designed to get the ball in these young playmakers’ hands.
Remember the play where Khalil Mack was obliterated by the young tight end? Expect more of that physicality once the run game gets rolling.
Bowers and Mayer are arguably the best tight end duo in the NFL. It seems the Notre Dame alum understands their potential and is looking forward to showcasing it this season. He spoke about the combination of talent in a press conference last week.
“We can both block really well. I think it’s going to be an interesting season,” Mayer said.
Given that chemistry, expect to see a lot of 12 personnel with this current roster. Linebackers will not look forward to facing the Raiders’ physical style of play, including their new addition at center, Tyler Linderbaum.
Related: Several UDFAs have stood out for Raiders HC Klint Kubiak
Michael Mayer is arguably the best Notre Dame tight end ever…
Because of Bowers’ dominance, many forget the historical prospect Mayer was coming out of college. A physical force from the start, the true freshman from Independence, Kentucky, instantly made an impact. By the time it was all said and done, Mayer was the all-time leader in almost every receiving tight end statistic in Notre Dame history.
He’s the leader in receptions, yards and touchdowns for his alma mater, a clear reflection of the untapped talent Mayer has as a receiver. He will be a focal point of this offense this season, and he knows the pressure is on him to bring that potential to fruition.
“I got to put my head down and I got to work,” Mayer said. “Good things are going to happen.”
No. 87 is going to have the best season of his young career this year.
*Top Photo: Ramble Illustration/Getty Images