The Baltimore Ravens saw Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar leave town in free agency to join the New York Giants and Los Angeles Chargers, respectively. While they still have Mark Andrews in the fold, they could still use another playmaker in that room.
And that's why Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer is someone the Ravens should inquire about. Once the Raiders selected tight end Brock Bowers in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, Mayer quickly became an afterthought, but he could provide Baltimore with a solid receiving threat.
Baltimore Ravens should trade for Michael Mayer
Mayer is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Through three seasons with the Raiders, he has appeared in 38 games, making 32 starts. In those outings, he has logged 83 catches (122 targets) for 788 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
While those numbers aren't earth-shattering, you must take into account the quarterbacks that he played with. Over the last three seasons, Aidan O'Connell, Jimmy Garoppolo, Brian Hoyer,
Gardner Minshew II, Desmond Ridder, Geno Smith, and Kenny Pickett all threw at least one pass.
That is less than ideal for any playmaker in that offense and shows why his numbers aren't jumping off the screen. But in an offense that is led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, Mayer could see a jump in production.
When you look at Baltimore's depth chart behind Andrews, Durham Smythe will be the blocking tight end, and Matthew Hibner and Josh Cuevas were drafted to be the other receiving options. Not to take away anything from these guys, but Mayer would have the edge.
Considering that Mayer didn't dominate with the Raiders and his current contract situation, it would likely cost a late-day 3 pick to get a deal done. That's a reasonable price for the Ravens and should be an option they think about.
Even though Mayer may not be a mauler as a run blocker, he gives a ton of effort in that area and would help on run downs for sure. It doesn't hurt that Mayer is a young player who is turning 25 years old in July.
His best days in the NFL are likely ahead of him, and playing in an offense like the Ravens would put him in the best situations he's been in since coming into the NFL. While Andrews is still a focal point for this offense, he has taken a step back in recent seasons.
Adding a younger option would be wise and could give the Ravens yet another weapon at their disposal for an exciting 2026 season that's on the way.
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