An incredible stat about the Las Vegas Raiders’ recent draft ineptitude has surfaced after the team signed tight end Michael Mayer to a contract extension.
Mayer, the Raiders’ second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, agreed to a new three-year contract with the Raiders worth up to $45 million. The tight end had previously been on his rookie deal, and was heading into the final season of that pact.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted that Mayer is the first Raiders player to sign a contract extension on a rookie deal since wide receiver Hunter Renfrow did so four years ago.
Unbelievably, Michael Mayer is the first #Raiders player extended on a rookie deal since… Hunter Renfrow in 2022. https://t.co/vEwTrDo2wL
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 12, 2026
Renfrow was drafted by the Raiders in 2019. That means the organization went an entire three-year stretch without selecting a player who landed a second contract. Of the team’s first-round picks over that stretch, Henry Ruggs III is in prison, Damon Arnette has faced legal trouble and is out of the league, and Alex Leatherwood was an infamous draft bust. These selections were the work of former GM Mike Mayock, who was often criticized for perceived reaches in the draft. Ultimately, those critics were right and Mayock’s confidence in his picks was misplaced.
Mayer is finally breaking the trend. He showed real promise last season playing for the injured Brock Bowers, as he set career highs in receptions (35) and receiving yards (328).
