Raiders Lock Michael Mayer to Three‑Year, $45 Million Extension

Overview

• The Raiders agreed Saturday to a three-year, $45 million extension for tight end Michael Mayer that includes $30 million guaranteed and averages $15 million per year.
• Mayer is expected to start in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins while Brock Bowers recovers from a meniscus trim that is expected to sideline him for a game or two.
• Through three NFL seasons Mayer has 83 receptions for 788 yards and three touchdowns, but the Raiders valued his inline blocking and multi-role fit for Klint Kubiak’s offense.
• The deal was negotiated by Kyle McCarthy, Brian Murphy and Cam Hahn of Athletes First, and it marks the first Raiders rookie‑deal extension since Hunter Renfrow in 2022.
• The extension reflects a rising market for tight ends and a desire to lock Mayer in now to support Kubiak’s multi–tight‑end game and to avoid paying a larger premium later, which could affect future talks for Brock Bowers.