The Las Vegas Raiders signed tight end Michael Mayer to a three-year, $45 million contract extension on Thursday, securing one half of their dynamic tight end duo heading into the 2026 season.
The deal includes $30 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Mayer was entering the final season of his four-year rookie contract after being selected 35th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The extension comes as the Raiders prepare to deploy both Mayer and 2024 first-round pick Brock Bowers extensively in their offensive scheme. While the depth chart lists Mayer as Bowers' backup, both players are expected to be on the field for most offensive snaps when healthy.
"New Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak is hoping to build an offense around rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, and he thinks that in Mayer and Bowers, he has two good security blankets for his young passer," according to NBC Sports.
The $15 million average annual value makes Mayer one of the higher-paid tight ends in the NFL, despite modest production through his first three seasons. He has totaled 83 receptions for 788 receiving yards and three touchdowns over 38 games with 32 starts.
Mayer's best season came in 2025, when he set career highs with 35 receptions for 328 yards and one touchdown in 13 games. His 9.5 yards per reception average since 2023 ranks 33rd among NFL tight ends with at least 75 catches, while his 5.1 yards after catch per reception ranks 17th among tight ends over that span.
The Notre Dame product made an immediate impact as a rookie in 2023, recording 27 catches for 304 yards and two touchdowns. His 304 receiving yards were the ninth-most by a rookie tight end in Raiders history, and his 11.3 yards per reception average ranked sixth among rookie tight ends in franchise history with at least 25 receptions.
The Raiders' investment in the tight end position reflects their commitment to a pass-heavy offensive system. With Mayer now locked up through 2029, the team has created salary cap flexibility while ensuring continuity at a key position for their developing quarterback.
The extension was announced just days before the Raiders' season opener, giving the team certainty about a core offensive piece as they navigate their first season under Kubiak's system. Bowers, meanwhile, could be in line for his own extension discussions next year as he approaches the end of his rookie deal.
