Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has recently addressed the trade rumors surrounding tight end Michael Mayer, offering a strong endorsement of the young player’s performance and potential.
Despite earlier reports suggesting the Raiders were open to trading Mayer, Kelly’s comments indicate a shift in the team’s stance.
“I think Mike’s been fantastic since I’ve been here,” Kelly said. “We didn’t make any decisions on anything until you see him here, and Mike’s been fantastic since day one of the offseason program.”
Kelly emphasized the value of having multiple talented tight ends, noting, “There’s never a position anywhere where coaches say, ‘We have too many good players.’ I checked: You can play two tight ends in a game at the same time. And sometimes you can play three tight ends.”
This approach suggests that the Raiders are planning to utilize both Mayer and standout rookie Brock Bowers in their offensive schemes. Bowers had a historic rookie season, while Mayer, despite a less impactful second year due to personal reasons, remains a promising talent.
Earlier in the offseason, reports indicated that the Raiders were fielding trade inquiries for Mayer, with several teams expressing interest. However, the current sentiment from the coaching staff points toward retaining Mayer and integrating him more fully into the offense.
With the addition of quarterback Geno Smith and Kelly’s innovative offensive strategies, the Raiders aim to revitalize their offense. Mayer’s continued development and potential role alongside Bowers could be key components in this offensive resurgence.
