The depth chart for the Las Vegas Raiders, which included tight ends, received significant attention.Michael Mayer and Brock Bowers are listed as starters. However, after two games, Bowers is clearly the TE1.

The No. 13 overall choice in the 2024 NFL Draft has 15 catches for 156 yards in two games, while Mayer has three catches for 14 yards. The Raiders invested a second-round pick on Mayer last year, and he’s shown some promise, but Bowers will play a far larger role in the offense. If Las Vegas does not intend to increase Mayer’s role in the offense, it may be prudent to move him while he is still valuable.

According to Bleacher Report, Mayer could be traded to the New York Jets in exchange for pass rusher Haason Reddick.

According to Knox’s September 14 column, the Raiders may consider offering 2023 second-round pick Michael Mayer to get Reddick. “The former Notre Dame tight end has shown some promise in the NFL, but he is likely below rookie Brock Bowers in Las Vegas’ priority list.

“Tight end is one of the few positions on New York’s offensive depth chart that clearly needs a significant boost.” Mayer has more upside than proven production, but he has the potential to replace Tyler Conklin as Rodgers’ top receiving target at the position immediately.”

The Raiders and Jets have been rumored to be trading wide receiver Davante Adams. However, Knox’s proposed trade makes sense for both sides. Las Vegas finds a replacement for injured Malcolm Koonce, while the Jets acquire a starter tight end.

Haason Reddick Looking for New Contract

If a team trades for Reddick, they must be prepared to offer him a new contract. He has already missed two games while waiting for a new contract, and that is unlikely to alter if he is sold. According to Over the Cap, the Raiders currently have $27.8 million in salary cap room and can afford to pay him.

The only potential concern is whether Las Vegas wants a long-term contract with Reddick. There is no news on whether Koonce will play again this season, and Tyree Wilson’s knee injury is not expected to cause considerable time off.

Koonce also has an expiring contract, so the Raiders may choose to extend him over signing Reddick. Regardless, the Jets pass rusher has 50.5 sacks over the last four seasons, so there’s no doubt he’d provide a significant boost to the defense.

Will Michael Mayer Find a Role in the Offense?

Mayer was highly touted coming out of Notre Dame in 2023 and many expected him to be a first-round pick. He ended up falling to the second-round when the Raiders scooped him up with the No. 35 pick.

However, he’s quickly losing snaps to Bowers. He’s only played 59% of the Raiders’ offensive snaps, according to Pro Football Reference, which is a big decrease from the 71% of snaps he played last season. Now, Mayer is more of a traditional tight end while Bowers is athletic enough to line up as a wide receiver and be utlitzed all over the field. It’s possible the Raiders still have plans for Mayer to be invovled but the offense still needs more time to gel.