Tight end Michael Mayer, who is stepping in for an injured Brock Bowers to start the regular season, has received a multiyear extension from the Las Vegas Raiders, the team announced Saturday. Mayer is getting a three-year, $45 million extension that includes $30 million guaranteed, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. He will be the Raiders' starting tight end in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins after Bowers underwent a meniscus trim Tuesday and is expected to miss a game or two to start the season, league sources said earlier in the week.

Mayer found success in 2025 when Bowers missed five games due to a PCL injury and bone bruise in his left knee. Mayer played in four of those games and had 18 receptions for 196 yards and a touchdown. He finished 2025 with career highs in receptions (35) and receiving yards (328).

Mayer said last month that he was hopeful about this season, largely because of position coach Luke Steckel's return for his third year in the organization as well as the arrival of coach Klint Kubiak and the offense he is installing. "I need to know the offense like the back of my hand, and I need to keep my head down and I need to work," Mayer said. "I know there's going to be mistakes. I can't let mistakes ruin the day, I can't let them ruin the rep, I can't let them ruin the period. I've got to move on.

Mistakes happen. I'm very, very excited for this season." The Associated Press contributed to this report.