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The announcement comes as the team prepares for their regular-season opener against the Miami Dolphins. Mayer is slated to step into the starting role immediately, filling the void left by fellow tight end Brock Bowers, who is currently sidelined following a meniscus trim procedure performed this past Tuesday.
Mayer Steps Into Starting Role Amid Injury Concerns
The decision to extend Mayer provides the Raiders with stability at the position as they navigate the early stages of the season. League sources indicate that Bowers is expected to miss at least one or two games while he recovers from his knee surgery, placing the responsibility of the starting tight end duties squarely on Mayer’s shoulders for the immediate future.
Mayer’s promotion to the starting lineup is supported by his performance during the 2025 season, where he demonstrated his ability to contribute when called upon. During a five-game stretch in 2025 when Bowers was unavailable due to a PCL injury and a bone bruise in his left knee, Mayer saw increased action. In the four games he played during that period, he recorded 18 receptions for 196 yards and a touchdown.
By the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, Mayer had established career-high marks across his statistical categories, finishing the year with 35 receptions for 328 receiving yards. The Raiders are now banking on that experience as they look to maintain offensive consistency during the opening weeks of the new season. The organization confirmed the extension on Saturday, signaling their long-term commitment to the tight end as he prepares to take the field against Miami.
