As the dust begins to settle on the NFL offseason and the anticipation surrounding training camps begins to mount, whispers out of Las Vegas are steadily morphing into full-blown excitement as the Raiders’ offense, once mired in inconsistency and plagued by underwhelming tight end production, now appears poised for an explosive resurgence led by none other than second-year tight end Michael Mayer—whose name is once again surfacing in headlines, thanks in no small part to new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s effusive praise during offseason workouts and OTAs.
Mayer, who entered the league with lofty expectations after a stellar collegiate career at Notre Dame, faced a relatively quiet rookie campaign; however, if Kelly’s glowing assessments are to be taken at face value—and early reports suggest that they absolutely should be—then the stage may be set for a dynamic bounce-back year in which Mayer not only silences critics but also becomes a foundational piece of a potentially high-octane offensive system that is now brimming with youthful talent, untapped potential, and strategic creativity.
The addition of fellow tight end and generational prospect Brock Bowers—who brings with him elite athleticism, unmatched versatility, and a proven ability to thrive in pressure-packed situations—only adds fuel to the growing belief that this Raiders offense, long dismissed as middling or even stagnant, could very well become one of the league’s most compelling units if the pieces fall into place as expected; and when you add to the mix the arrival of standout running back Ashton Jeanty, whose dynamic playmaking ability and dual-threat nature make him a perfect fit for Kelly’s up-tempo, space-exploiting system, the potential for offensive magic becomes more than just wishful thinking—it becomes a tangible, thrilling possibility.
Indeed, the thought of lining up Mayer and Bowers in dual tight end sets—creating matchup nightmares for opposing linebackers and safeties—while simultaneously forcing defenses to account for Jeanty’s explosive cuts and backfield versatility, is enough to send shivers down the spines of even the most seasoned defensive coordinators; and with a play-caller like Chip Kelly at the helm, known for his innovation, rapid tempo, and penchant for maximizing the strengths of his personnel, the Raiders may finally have the schematic edge they’ve long been missing.
While it’s still early in the process and the regular season remains months away, the chatter surrounding Mayer’s potential breakout and the cohesion forming among this talented trio is already reaching a fever pitch; and if offseason chemistry translates into on-field production—as it so often does under great coaching—the 2025 season could be remembered as the year Michael Mayer took the leap, Brock Bowers made an immediate impact, and Ashton Jeanty electrified audiences, all while Chip Kelly orchestrated a Raider revival the likes of which fans haven’t seen in years.