Michael Mayer expressed enthusiasm for his role in the Raiders offense as the team prepares for the 2025 NFL season. After missing significant time due to personal matters, Mayer returned to find a breakout season from fellow tight end Brock Bowers, yet he feels well-integrated and ready to contribute alongside him. His optimism reflects the team’s focus on bolstering their offensive versatility under the guidance of their new coaching staff.
Head coach Chip Kelly and the Raiders’ offensive coordinators have made it clear that Mayer will play an important part in their offensive schemes. Mayer highlighted the healthy dynamic within the Raiders’ tight end room, emphasizing camaraderie and collective effort as they aim to support the team’s goals heading into the new season.
Raiders’ Tight End Unit Building Chemistry with Mayer and Bowers Leading the Charge
Mayer revealed that the Raiders’ offense frequently employs formations featuring two tight ends, such as 12-personnel sets, and has also been experimenting with 13-personnel packages during spring practices. This development allows for greater strategic flexibility and maximizes the skills of tight ends like Mayer, Brock Bowers, and Ian Thomas. Mayer stressed his readiness to handle various roles, including receiving, blocking, and pass protection, reflecting his versatility and commitment to being an all-around asset for the Raiders’ offensive game plan.
“These coaches know what I can do and what I can put out on that field, and it’s obviously only going to be better out there with Brock Bowers, with Ian Thomas, those other two tight ends,”
Mayer said.
“The tight end room as a whole, we’re very, very close. We’re a close-knit community, and we’ve had a great spring so far, and we’re really, really excited to just help this football team in any way we can.”
—Michael Mayer, Raiders tight end
He also addressed rumors about being moved from his position, firmly stating that he is preparing to fulfill all responsibilities the coaches require. Whether it is running routes, creating opportunities in the passing game, or providing strong blocks, Mayer is ready to contribute at the highest level.
“I got to block, I got to pass pro, and I got to run routes, and I got to be able to catch the ball, and that’s just what it comes down to,”
Mayer added.
“If Chip wants to head me out there on that field, I got to be able to run routes, I got to be able to make people miss, and I got to be able to score touchdowns, and when he asks me to block, I’m going to go out there and block 100 percent the most I can, the best I can, and work my hardest and go from there.”
—Michael Mayer, Raiders tight end
Broader NFL Defensive Landscape and Team Expectations in 2025
While Michael Mayer focuses on carving out his place in the Raiders offense, other NFL stories highlight aspiring excellence entering the 2025 season. Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II, fresh off earning the Defensive Player of the Year award, stressed the importance of continual growth and the ultimate objective: winning a Super Bowl. Surtain complimented new defensive additions—safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw—pointing out their winning experience and the positive impact they bring.
“There’s always something out there to do better,”
Surtain said.
“Why not get another one? Why not get more All-Pros? … But I think the main goal is to win the Super Bowl, at the end of the day. That’s why I play the game, is to win. I think that’s the end goal for me.”
—Patrick Surtain II, Broncos cornerback
He also highlighted the veteran presence of Hufanga and Greenlaw as a boost to the team’s culture.
“Those guys are going to come in and bring that winning atmosphere,”
Surtain stated.
“They’ve been to Super Bowls. They know how to win at a high level. So, adding that to the team will only make our team even better.”
—Patrick Surtain II, Broncos cornerback
Regarding the pressure ahead, Surtain emphasized humility and hard work as essential ingredients.
“We try to stay level-headed, stay grounded, be where our feet are and just grind and perfect our craft each and every day,”
he added.
Chiefs Receiver Xavier Worthy Prepares for a Demanding Season
Meanwhile, in Kansas City, wide receiver Xavier Worthy shared that head coach Andy Reid warned the team they would need to endure intense physical preparation to improve their deep-threat effectiveness, following struggles during the 2024 season. Worthy discussed efforts to condition their bodies and minds for the demanding practice schedule ahead.
“Coach [Andy] Reid told us during OTAs, Phase I, ‘When you come back, get your hamstrings ready,’”
Worthy said during a media appearance.
“So, he kind of knew that we were going to be going a little deep in practice, so we kind of got our bodies and our minds ready [for] what we were going to be doing in practice.”
—Xavier Worthy, Chiefs wide receiver
Worthy was also coy about potentially returning punts this season but expressed confidence in his ability to make impactful plays whenever he handles the ball. “Oh man, I don’t know,” he said.
“Stay tuned. Stay tuned. I can’t drop that yet. I think every time I touch the ball, I’m liable to score, so if I have that chance to be on punt return and change the game for my team, I’m gonna do it.”
—Xavier Worthy, Chiefs wide receiver
Outlook for Michael Mayer and the Raiders’ 2025 Campaign
As Michael Mayer settles back into the Raiders offense, his preparedness and positive attitude signal that he is positioned to contribute meaningfully alongside Brock Bowers and fellow tight ends. The use of multiple tight end personnel formations suggests that the Raiders coaching staff is eager to leverage the combined skills of this group to create matchup advantages and offensive diversity.
Mayer’s commitment to developing his full range of abilities—blocking, route running, and scoring—reflects a player ready to answer the call in a competitive environment. With a cohesive tight end group and a coaching staff that recognizes their value, the Raiders are aiming to enhance their offensive identity heading into 2025.
Given the insights from other NFL players like Surtain and Worthy, the league-wide intensity for improving performance and pursuing championship success sets a backdrop charged with ambition. The Raiders, bolstered by Mayer’s growth and their revamped offense, will be one of the teams to watch as the new season unfolds.