Michael Mayer contract exposes Raiders’ putrid NFL Draft history with crazy stat
The Las Vegas Raiders’ putrid NFL Draft history was exposed after Michael Mayer signed a massive contract extension.
As the Las Vegas Raiders prepare for their Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday at 1:25 p.m. PT on FOX, tight end Michael Mayer’s new contract extension has exposed a troubling statistic surrounding the franchise’s recent NFL Draft history.
The Raiders agreed to a three-year, $45 million extension with Mayer that includes $30 million guaranteed, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported Saturday via X, formerly known as Twitter. The deal carries an average annual value of $15 million, which ranks fourth among current NFL tight end contracts.
“The #Raiders have agreed to terms on an 3-year extension with TE Michael Mayer worth $45M with $30M guaranteed. The $15M APY ranks 4th among current TE contracts,” Rapoport wrote.
However, Rapoport followed with a statistic highlighting just how rarely the Raiders have retained their own draft picks on second contracts in recent years.
“Unbelievably, Michael Mayer is the first #Raiders player extended on a rookie deal since… Hunter Renfrow in 2022.”
Michael Mayer becomes rare Raiders draft pick to earn extension
Las Vegas selected Mayer with the No. 35 overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame. His extension means the 25-year-old will remain part of the Raiders’ long-term plans rather than becoming another homegrown player to leave the organization without receiving a second contract.
The four-year gap between Renfrow’s extension and Mayer’s new deal underscores the Raiders’ struggles to draft and develop players worthy of long-term commitments. Las Vegas has undergone significant turnover in its front office and coaching staff during that stretch, contributing to an inconsistent roster-building approach.
Mayer’s extension also arrives at an important time for the Raiders’ tight end room.
Star tight end Brock Bowers is expected to miss at least one to two weeks after undergoing a meniscus trim procedure on his knee. His absence could create a larger role for Mayer as Las Vegas opens the 2026 season against Miami.
While Bowers remains the centerpiece of the position long term, Mayer’s new contract ensures the Raiders will keep both tight ends together while finally ending an unfavorable NFL Draft streak.
As the Las Vegas Raiders prepare for their Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday at 1:25 p. m. PT on FOX, tight end Michael Mayer’s new contract extension has exposed a troubling statistic surrounding the franchise’s recent NFL Draft history.