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Silver And Black Pride fantasy football takes on Michael Mayer
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Silver And Black Pride about Michael Mayer.
59
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36
Positive
6
Negative
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All Silver And Black Pride insights about Michael Mayer
PositiveProjectionOct 24, 2026
Michael Mayer posted a career-high in receiving yards, demonstrating increased offensive usage and target volume that supports upside in his fantasy outlook.PositiveRoleOct 23, 2026
Mayer is coming into his own after signing a rich contract extension and ranks third among Raiders pass catchers with 28 receptions for 266 yards and one touchdown. The source positions him as an emerging receiving threat in the Raiders' passing game, though behind Bowers and Tucker in the target hierarchy.PositiveUsageOct 23, 2026
Mayer posted a career-high 95 receiving yards in Week 6 and has become a vital piece in the Raiders passing game. Offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko praised his development, work ethic, and leadership role, noting he is "a valuable piece to this team" who "sits in the front row of the meeting rooms" and applies his study habits on the field across run game, pass game, and protections. The source expects Mayer to keep producing; if teams focus on taking away Bowers, Mayer's production will rise further.PositiveValueOct 22, 2026
The source states 'Michael Mayer would be a TE1 on a lot of teams,' validating the contract extension that initially shocked the NFL landscape. His production and role in the Raiders' passing game prove he is 'worth every penny' of his deal.PositiveProjectionOct 22, 2026
Through six games, Mayer has 266 receiving yards on 28 receptions and 1 TD, putting him on pace for 753 yards—a high total for NFL tight ends. Against Buffalo, he posted a career-high 95 yards on seven receptions, demonstrating both checkdown and downfield threat capability with a 28-yard seam-route catch.PositiveRoleOct 22, 2026
Mayer operates as the inline tight end on most snaps in the Raiders' 12-personnel scheme, a role that justifies his $15M APY contract extension over three years. The source notes this deployment 'has it making complete sense' after the Brock Bowers draft in 2024 initially demoted Mayer to backup status.PositiveProjectionOct 20, 2026
Mayer had his best game of the season, catching 7 of 9 targets for 95 yards and an average of 13.6 yards per catch; nearly every catch he made was a third-down conversion, functioning as 'the garbage man out there, cleaning up the field.' He was the intended target on Cousins' interception play but the pass was deflected to the defender.PositiveProjectionOct 19, 2026
Mayer is having a career season following an early contract extension, posting seven catches for 95 yards in Week 6—the most he's had in a single game and tied for third-most catches in a game. He is seven catches and 62 yards away from setting personal bests in both metrics for an entire season with 11 games remaining. He recorded 67 yards after the catch (over 70 percent of his total) against Buffalo, giving him 158 YAC on the season, second only to Travis Kelce (196) among tight ends per PFF.PositiveUsageOct 19, 2026
Mayer caught seven passes on nine targets for 95 receiving yards, nearly reaching the 100-yard mark. The source notes he came close to eclipsing that threshold alongside Tre Tucker, indicating consistent involvement in the Raiders' passing attack.PositiveUsageOct 19, 2026
Michael Mayer benefited from Buffalo's defensive focus on containing Brock Bowers, recording 95 yards on seven catches in Week 6; the tight end was the primary beneficiary of the Bills' coverage scheme.PositiveRoleOct 15, 2026
Kubiak emphasized that the Raiders' offense functions best when Mayer and star tight end Brock Bowers are both heavily involved in the attack. Against Buffalo, which has struggled in pass defense this season, getting back to that two-tight-end approach will be vital to the offense's success, signaling an expectation of increased involvement for Mayer going forward.NegativeUsageOct 15, 2026
Mayer played a season-low 65% of offensive snaps in Week 5 against New England, down sharply from 80-88% in the first four games, and was targeted just once for one catch and two yards. Despite signing a three-year, $45 million contract extension last month, he had 20 catches for 169 yards on 24 targets in the first four games, establishing a clear drop-off in involvement. Kubiak acknowledged the underutilization, stating "Didn't give him enough opportunities" and taking responsibility for the lack of involvement.PositiveRoleOct 13, 2026
Identified as one of only two functional offensive weapons on the Raiders offense alongside Brock Bowers; represents a rare bright spot in an otherwise dysfunctional passing attack. The source states: 'The Raiders' offense is dysfunctional outside of Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer.'PositiveUsageOct 9, 2026
Raiders TE combined with Brock Bowers and Ian Thomas for 16 catches, 200 yards, and 2 TDs last week; the source expects another high-production day from the tight end group this week given the Raiders' thin wide receiver room and injuries at the position.PositiveUsageOct 8, 2026
Raiders tight end Michael Mayer operates almost exclusively on short routes and checkdowns: all 20 of his catches and 167 yards have come either behind the line of scrimmage or in the zero-to-nine-yard range per PFF. He ranks 10th among tight ends with 91 yards after the catch and is tied for third with 12 first-down receptions, serving as a valuable safety net for Kirk Cousins. Coming off one of his best games with 8 catches for 82 yards and 5 first downs, Mayer presents a challenge for Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane who specializes in limiting checkdown yards.PositiveUsageOct 5, 2026
Mayer had one of the best games of his career in Week 4, hauling in eight passes for 82 yards—both the second-most he's had in a single game. He accumulated 37 yards after the catch and five first downs per PFF, serving as a check-down option and moving the chains while going three-for-three on contested catches. This performance validates the contract extension the Raiders gave him before the season.PositiveUsageOct 5, 2026
Raiders tight end Michael Mayer posted 8 receptions for 82 yards as part of a dominant tight end performance; the two Raiders tight ends combined for 200 yards and 2 touchdowns on 16 receptions, demonstrating that Kubiak's offense is heavily targeting the tight end position as a primary weapon.PositiveRoleOct 5, 2026
Michael Mayer was part of the Raiders' tight end-dominated passing game in Week 4. The three tight ends (Bowers, Mayer, and Thomas) combined for 16 catches, 200 yards, and two touchdowns, a strategy likely to continue due to receiver injuries and underperformance.NegativeRoleOct 2, 2026
Mayer is locked in as the traditional tight end in the Raiders' two-tight-end personnel package, which was deployed 83% of snaps in Week 3 vs. New Orleans. He recorded three catches for 32 yards and a touchdown. The source notes Mayer received a contract extension before the season, signaling the Raiders' commitment to the Mayer-Bowers tandem as the offensive plan going forward.PositiveRoleSep 28, 2026
Raiders TE Michael Mayer had 3 catches for 32 yards and 1 TD in a double-tight-end package that the team used frequently. The source notes that Mayer and Bowers "can do a lot of damage together" in the offense.PositiveUsageSep 27, 2026
Michael Mayer caught a 3-yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins to give the Raiders a 13-6 lead, demonstrating his role as a red zone target in the Raiders offense.NegativeRoleSep 25, 2026
Backup tight end Michael Mayer would make his third straight start if Bowers cannot play Sunday, positioning him as the contingency option in the Raiders' tight end rotation.NegativeMatchupSep 24, 2026
Raiders tight end is a key matchup concern for Saints defense. Source states 'if Brock Bowers is able to return, I'll be watching closely to see how New Orleans handles both him and Michael Mayer.' Saints have had trouble defending pass-catching tight ends in the past. Kirk Cousins has always been comfortable using tight ends as safety valves, making this a critical matchup for New Orleans' secondary and linebacker coverage.NegativeRoleSep 21, 2026
Michael Mayer, filling in for injured Brock Bowers, had a quiet performance with three catches for 23 yards. This follows a disappointing start to the season with nine catches for 55 yards after signing a big contract extension, suggesting limited impact in the Raiders' offense.NegativeRoleSep 20, 2026
Michael Mayer will start for Brock Bowers at tight end against the Chargers. In Week 1, Mayer recorded six catches for 32 yards, providing a baseline for his production in the starting role.NegativeValueSep 19, 2026
Tight end received a contract extension that made him the fourth-highest (now fifth-highest) paid at his position, despite being a 2024 second-round pick with limited on-field production to justify top-five money. The source was surprised by both the size of the deal and its timing—before seeing how he'd perform in Kubiak's offense. However, the contract structure is more favorable than initially reported: it's essentially a one-year extension with two club options, all guaranteed money in 2027, and the Raiders can cut him with a post-June 1 designation in 2028 or 2029 with only ~$2.3 million dead cap. The organization and GM John Spytek protected themselves while getting ahead of the market, suggesting the Raiders believe in his long-term potential in the new scheme.PositiveRoleSep 18, 2026
Starting tight end for Las Vegas vs Chargers if Bowers cannot play; recorded 6 catches for 32 yards in Week 1.PositiveUsageSep 18, 2026
Mayer made a 14-yard catch running an angle route out of the backfield from fullback position in 21 personnel grouping, resulting in a first down. This demonstrates Kubiak's creative deployment of Mayer in unconventional alignments to generate offensive matchups.NegativeUsageSep 16, 2026
Recently extended $45 million TE caught 6 passes for 32 yards and was a constant force as an inline blocker in Week 1.PositiveRoleSep 16, 2026
Backup tight end started Week 1 in place of Brock Bowers; positioned to see additional starting reps if Bowers remains sidelined beyond Week 2.NegativeProjectionSep 14, 2026
Fresh off a three-year, $45 million contract extension, tight end Michael Mayer had six catches for 32 yards starting for the injured Brock Bowers. The source describes it as a solid but not great day, suggesting his performance did not match the investment and expectations tied to his new deal.PositiveRoleSep 12, 2026
Ascending to TE1 with Bowers sidelined; signed three-year, $45 million contract extension before the injury news. Brock Bowers states Mayer must now hold up his end of the bargain and produce, with a perfect opportunity to prove himself with the starter on the depth chart out. However, Brock Bowers does not expect Mayer to replicate Bowers' unicorn skill set; Mayer is taller, thicker, and more physical, while Bowers is lighter, more agile, and a superior separator. Mayer will likely be used more in-line rather than split wide, but should benefit from increased target opportunities as the passing game redistributes without Bowers.NegativeProjectionSep 12, 2026
Mayer has shown inconsistency despite the significant contract extension. He has 83 career receptions with a high of 35 last season, suggesting production volatility. The Raiders believe he will elevate his game under Kubiak, but consistency remains a concern.NegativeRoleSep 12, 2026
Mayer is the starting tight end for the Raiders in 2026, with Brock Bowers currently sidelined by a knee injury. The Raiders envision a future featuring both Bowers and Mayer in Klint Kubiak's offense.PositiveValueSep 12, 2026
Mayer signed a 3-year, $45M extension with $30M guaranteed, making $15M APY which ranks 4th among current TE contracts. This is the highest three-year contract for a tight end ever and represents a clear Raiders commitment to the position under Klint Kubiak's offense.PositiveRoleSep 11, 2026
Michael Mayer will fill the tight end role alongside Ian Thomas with Brock Bowers out due to knee surgery, providing a starting opportunity in Week 1.NegativeProjectionSep 11, 2026
Michael Mayer is a free agent after this season, and his performance during Brock Bowers' absence will be closely monitored by the Raiders and around the league as a key indicator of his future contract value and earning potential. Despite being a 2023 second-round pick who the Raiders traded up to acquire, Mayer has failed to produce consistently and has not yet lived up to his much-hyped Notre Dame prospect expectations, making this opportunity critical for his career trajectory.PositiveRoleSep 11, 2026
Michael Mayer is thrust into the starting tight end role for the Raiders due to Brock Bowers' knee surgery absence. Mayer has prior starting experience, having started four games with Bowers out last season, recording 18 catches on 24 targets in those four games, establishing a baseline for expected target volume during this opportunity.PositiveRoleSep 9, 2026
With Brock Bowers sidelined by meniscus surgery, Michael Mayer will start at tight end for the Raiders in Week 1 against Miami. The Raiders' tight ends are expected to have a big role with an untested receiving core, positioning Mayer for increased offensive usage and fantasy opportunity in Bowers' absence.NegativeInjurySep 8, 2026
Mayer has missed at least three games in each season of his career due to health issues, establishing a concerning injury pattern that has limited his availability and production since being drafted in the second round.NegativeRoleSep 8, 2026
Mayer is entering a make-or-break contract year with new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's 12 personnel-heavy scheme. Despite being a second-round pick viewed as the long-term tight end answer, he was displaced by first-round pick Brock Bowers in the following draft. Health issues have caused him to miss at least three games each season. With the Raiders' wide receiver group lacking talent and Mayer facing his fourth head coach in as many years, Kubiak's personnel-heavy system presents a potential opportunity for Mayer to step up and contribute, but it's framed as a 'now or never' period for his career.PositiveRoleAug 27, 2026
Michael Mayer is part of the Raiders' best tight end room in the NFL, forming a great 1-2 punch with Brock Bowers at the position; the source highlights this as one of the Raiders' good roster situations.NegativeDepth ChartAug 26, 2026
Mayer is locked in as a backup tight end and has not played in preseason games, remaining in street clothes throughout camp.PositiveDepth ChartAug 24, 2026
Tight end listed as a potential surprise cut candidate by the source, but the source explicitly states 'I don't see Koonce or Mayer getting cut,' indicating low likelihood of roster removal despite being on the candidate list.NegativeRoleAug 19, 2026
The source maintains Michael Mayer as a backup tight end for the Raiders' 53-man roster prediction with no changes from the previous week. Mayer's backup role behind Brock Bowers remains secure.PositiveRoleAug 16, 2026
Mayer caught a touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins on the opening drive of the preseason opener. The source describes him as a sneaky player with size to be a blocker but surprising speed and soft hands to be a trusted target in the red zone. Mayer has hauled in only 3 touchdowns in his first three years in the league but heads into the final leg of his rookie contract with all the skills Kubiak seeks in tight ends. With Kubiak loving multiple tight end sets, the 25-year-old Notre Dame product has a chance to have his most productive season since being taken 35th overall in the 2023 draft.NegativeRoleAug 14, 2026
Listed as a 2027 unrestricted free agent who could receive extension consideration, but the Raiders may want to evaluate his performance during the season before committing to a long-term deal.PositiveRoleAug 14, 2026
Tight end caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins to cap the first-team opening drive, a 10-play, 68-yard drive that took just over five minutes, showing early-season offensive efficiency.NegativeRoleAug 12, 2026
Mayer is a backup tight end for the Raiders; if Kubiak leans on 12 personnel, he could be pushed up to the starter category.PositiveRoleAug 10, 2026
Mayer is expected to step up into a depth tight end role in 2026 and see a fair share of 30-50 targets or more under new TE coach Luke Steckel, who emphasizes blocking and development.NegativeRoleAug 8, 2026
Tight end Michael Mayer characterized the training camp altercations as energy and part of padded practice, while endorsing Kirk Cousins' willingness to defend his teammates and maintain an edge, noting that Cousins has shown this leadership quality since joining the team.PositiveUsageAug 7, 2026
Featured prominently during training camp practice with a long touchdown during team session and a big catch over the middle where he used his size to hold off defensive back Taron Johnson, demonstrating his ability to contribute in the red zone and as a receiving threat.PositiveRoleAug 7, 2026
Expected to have a bigger role in 2026 offense under new head coach Klint Kubiak after struggling when Brock Bowers was drafted in 2024 and reduced his role. Mayer bounced back in 2025 and will form a two-tight-end tandem with Bowers, with both expected to be on the field together on plenty of looks. Mayer believes the pairing can grow into one of the best tight end duos in the NFL.PositiveBreakoutAug 7, 2026
Mayer has always been mentioned as a breakout candidate, and there's a great shot that he will see a career high in snaps this season as the inline TE with Brock Bowers split into an H-Back or slot role. Increased snaps should improve his total receiving line, and he should also figure to be a big player in the red zone. Mayer is a top run blocker, and that alone will get him paid well this off-season, but improving his receiving film could go a long way as well. Klint Kubiak's offense has lived heavily out of 12 personnel, and a large part of that offense can be implemented with Bowers and Mayer.NegativeDepth ChartJul 31, 2026
Tight end listed as a potential cut candidate by Matt Holder, but the source expresses surprise if Mayer were actually cut, noting he could be a trade candidate instead; suggests Mayer has a lower likelihood of release compared to other players on the list.NegativeDepth ChartJul 31, 2026
Tight end identified as a potential cut candidate, though the source expresses surprise if he were actually released; more likely to be a trade candidate than an outright cut.PositiveProjectionJul 30, 2026
If Mayer puts together a strong season in 2026, he could become a top free agent target and command significant money in free agency. His upside depends on production and opportunity; a breakout year could dramatically improve his market value and landing spot.NegativeDepth ChartJul 30, 2026
Mayer is likely entering his final season with the Raiders; he is set to be a free agent after 2026. The Raiders unexpectedly drafted elite first-round tight end Brock Bowers a year after Mayer, and while both may be used together, Mayer is a backup option to Bowers at the end of the day. If Mayer does not produce much and is blocked by Bowers' presence, he may seek a move elsewhere on a modest contract; the source estimates the odds point toward him being elsewhere in 2027.NegativeRoleJul 28, 2026
Mayer, a former 2nd rounder, is set to be a free agent after the 2026 season. With a good season, he should be looking at a decent contract as a TE2 and blocking specialist for the Raiders.