The 2024 NFL season gave Los Angeles Chargers fans plenty of reasons to be excited about the future. Although Jim Harbaugh's team didn't win the Super Bowl, the Chargers displayed plenty of potential by winning 11 games — their most since 2018 (12) — and making their second playoff appearance in three seasons.
Nevertheless, there's always room for improvement — especially regarding the passing game. The Chargers can improve their aerial attack by adding to their tight end depth, considering how Willy Dissly and McCallan Castles are their only TEs under contract for the 2025 campaign.
Fortunately, a rival's recently released player can help with Los Angeles' uninspiring TE depth.
Chargers Must Poach TE Michael Mayer From Raiders
Vegas Nation's Vincent Bonsignore is reporting that the Las Vegas Raiders "are trying to trade" third-year TE Michael Mayer this offseason. Bonsignore mentioned that "multiple teams have been doing due diligence" regarding a potential deal, meaning the Chargers must contact their AFC West rival sooner rather than later.
I've been told multiple teams have been doing due diligence on @Raiders TE Michael Mayer. Multiple sources indicate the Raiders are trying to trade Mayer, who is heading into his third season. "Plenty of teams are interested"
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) March 3, 2025
Following Darren Waller's offseason exit two years ago, the Raiders used the 2023 NFL draft's 35th-overall selection on Mayer. The hope was that the former Notre Dame product could develop into Waller's replacement after amassing nearly 2,100 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns across three seasons with the Fighting Irish.
Mayer demonstrated potential as an NFL rookie, turning 27 catches into 304 receiving yards and a pair of TDs. Much to his dismay, though, the 6-foot-4 TE became irrelevant to the Raiders' offensive plans the moment they used the 2024 draft's No. 13 pick on Georgia's Brock Bowers, who just racked up Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors as a rookie.
Meanwhile, Bowers' presence caused Mayer's stat line to drop to 21-156-0 in 11 appearances in Year 2, paving the way for a potential offseason trade.
Some fans aren't thrilled about the idea of trading with a division rival, however, that must be thrown out the window when a player like Mayer is available. The Independence, KY native is only turning 24 years old in June, meaning he's more than young enough to improve and develop into one of quarterback Justin Herbert's favorite weapons for years to come.
Las Vegas is trying to build for the future following last season's four-win performance. Trading Mayer to L.A. could help improve the Raiders' outlook, given that the Chargers have 11 draft picks to play with before April.
Based on how his NFL career has gone thus far, the Chargers likely wouldn't have to pay too much to acquire Mayer from the Raiders. Perhaps the team's fourth-rounder (No. 124), along with a second Day 3 pick, would be enough to land the disappointing TE, making it a low-risk/high-reward deal for Los Angeles.
If that isn't good enough to strike a deal, the Chargers can always target TEs in the draft, such as potentially reuniting Michigan's Colston Loveland with former Wolverines head coach Harbaugh.
At the end of the day, challenging for the Lombardi Trophy will be harder than it has to be as long as the TE depth is lacking. Until they make a move for Mayer or find another way to add a tight end, the Chargers head into the rest of the NFL offseason with the 10th-best Super Bowl 60 odds (+2700) on FanDuel Sportsbook.