Michael Mayer, the Las Vegas Raiders' standout tight end, has established himself as a cornerstone of the team's offensive identity since entering the league in 2023. Known for his elite blocking and reliable hands, Mayer’s statistical journey reflects a player adapting to the rigorous demands of professional football while maintaining the production that made him a legend at the University of Notre Dame.

Through the conclusion of the 2025 NFL regular season, Michael Mayer has recorded a career total of 83 receptions for 788 yards and 3 touchdowns. These figures represent his development across 38 professional games, where he has transitioned from a high-profile rookie to a veteran presence in one of the league's most unique "12 personnel" (two-tight end) offensive schemes.

Professional NFL Career Statistics Summary

Michael Mayer's professional production can be categorized into three distinct phases: his initial transition in 2023, a developmental plateau in 2024, and a strategic resurgence in 2025.

Season Team Games Played Receptions Targets Receiving Yards Avg. Yards Touchdowns
2023 Las Vegas Raiders 14 27 40 304 11.3 2
2024 Las Vegas Raiders 11 21 32 156 7.4 0
2025 Las Vegas Raiders 13 35 50 328 9.4 1
Total Raiders 38 83 122 788 9.5 3

In addition to his receiving output, Mayer has been a durable asset on the field, starting 32 of his 38 career appearances. His reliability as a blocker often goes unrecorded in traditional fantasy-style statistics but remains a critical component of his 64.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF).

The 2025 Season: A Deep Dive into the Numbers

The 2025 campaign marked a significant turning point for Michael Mayer. After a relatively quiet 2024, the Raiders' coaching staff integrated a more diverse passing attack under offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. This shift allowed Mayer to thrive as a high-volume "safety valve" for the Raiders' quarterbacks.

High-Volume Performance and Efficiency

In 13 regular-season games, Mayer secured 35 receptions on 50 targets. This 70% catch rate highlights his reliability in the short-to-intermediate passing game. His 328 receiving yards were a career-high, and his average of 9.4 yards per reception demonstrated his ability to move the chains on crucial third-down situations.

One of the most notable improvements in Mayer’s 2025 stat line was his production after the catch. He recorded 200 yards after catch (YAC), ranking among the top tier of tight ends in efficiency relative to target depth. Despite having an average depth of target (aDOT) of only 4.8 yards, his physicality allowed him to fight for extra yardage after securing the ball.

Key Game Performances in 2025

  • Week 6 vs. Tennessee Titans: Mayer recorded 5 receptions for 50 yards and his lone touchdown of the season. This game showcased his ability to find soft spots in zone coverage.
  • Week 17 vs. New York Giants: In the absence of fellow tight end Brock Bowers, Mayer stepped into a primary receiving role, hauling in 9 receptions for 89 yards. This performance remains the highest single-game yardage total of his career.
  • Week 18 vs. Kansas City Chiefs: In a hard-fought victory, Mayer caught 3 passes for 47 yards, including a crucial 23-yard gain that set up the winning score.

Understanding the 2024 "Sophomore Slump"

Critics often point to Mayer's 2024 statistics as a regression, but a closer look at the Raiders' offensive environment reveals a different story. In 2024, Mayer appeared in 11 games, recording 21 catches for 156 yards.

The primary reason for the drop in yardage was a shift in the Raiders' personnel usage and inconsistent quarterback play. Mayer was frequently utilized as an "in-line" blocker to assist a struggling offensive line, limiting his opportunities to run routes. His average yards per reception dropped to 7.4, the lowest of his career, as most of his targets were limited to immediate dump-offs and screen passes.

Despite the lower receiving totals, Mayer’s defensive impact and special teams contributions were notable. He recorded several tackles following turnovers and maintained a high snap count percentage, proving that the coaching staff valued his presence on the field even when he wasn't the primary target.

Michael Mayer's Rookie Impact (2023)

Selected 35th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, expectations were high for Mayer, who many analysts considered the most "pro-ready" tight end in his class. He appeared in 14 games and earned 12 starts, an impressive feat for a rookie at a position notoriously difficult to master.

His rookie stat line of 27 receptions for 304 yards and 2 touchdowns served as a solid foundation. His first professional touchdown came in Week 10 against the New York Jets, a moment that cemented his role as a red-zone threat. During this season, Mayer displayed the contested-catch ability that had defined his college career, averaging a career-high 11.3 yards per catch.

Collegiate Dominance: The Notre Dame Years

To understand Michael Mayer's NFL trajectory, one must examine his unprecedented production at the University of Notre Dame. Mayer left the program as arguably the greatest tight end in Fighting Irish history, a school often referred to as "Tight End U."

Notre Dame Receiving Records

Mayer holds the school record for most career receptions by a tight end, surpassing former greats like Tyler Eifert and Kyle Rudolph.

Statistic Total Program Rank (TE)
Career Receptions 180 1st
Career Receiving Yards 2,099 1st
Career Touchdowns 18 1st
Single-Season Receptions (2021) 71 1st

Year-by-Year College Breakdown

  • 2020 (Freshman): Mayer immediately integrated into the offense, catching 42 passes for 450 yards and 2 touchdowns in 12 games.
  • 2021 (Sophomore): He recorded 71 receptions for 840 yards and 7 touchdowns, earning Third-Team All-American honors.
  • 2022 (Junior): In his final season, Mayer caught 67 passes for 809 yards and a career-high 9 touchdowns. He was named a Consensus All-American, the first Notre Dame tight end to achieve this honor since 1976.

His college stats are a testament to his versatility. He was used as a traditional Y-tight end, a slot receiver, and even out wide, consistently beating linebackers and safeties in man-to-man coverage.

Advanced Metrics and Playing Style Analysis

Michael Mayer’s value extends beyond the box score. According to PFF and other advanced analytics platforms, his impact is felt in several key areas of the game.

PFF Grading and Ranking

In the 2025 season, Mayer earned an overall grade of 64.6. While this ranked him 25th among 37 qualified tight ends, his receiving grade was a more impressive 69.8 (19th in the league). This discrepancy suggests that while his blocking is functional, his true value lies in his pass-catching efficiency.

Yards After Catch (YAC) and Physicality

Standing 6'4" and weighing approximately 265 pounds, Mayer is a "bruiser" after the catch. In 2025, he averaged 5.7 yards after catch per reception. This physicality makes him a difficult tackle for smaller defensive backs, often requiring multiple defenders to bring him down.

Red Zone Efficiency

Throughout his NFL career, Mayer has been targeted 15 times inside the 20-yard line. While he only has 3 career touchdowns, his presence requires defensive coordinators to commit an extra defender to the "seam" or "flat," often opening up space for wide receivers like Davante Adams or Jakobi Meyers.

The Raiders' Strategic Use of 12 Personnel

A major factor influencing Michael Mayer’s stats is the presence of Brock Bowers, the Raiders' first-round pick in 2024. Many analysts wondered how the two would coexist. The 2025 season provided the answer: the Raiders utilized "12 personnel" at one of the highest rates in the NFL.

In this scheme, Mayer typically plays the "Y" role (in-line), handling more blocking responsibilities, while Bowers plays the "F" or move-tight end role. This allows Mayer to exploit mismatches against linebackers who are focused on stopping the run. When defenses over-adjust to Bowers' speed, Mayer often finds himself open for short, high-percentage completions.

How to Interpret Michael Mayer's Stats for Fantasy Football

For fantasy football enthusiasts, Michael Mayer has evolved into a high-floor, low-ceiling option in PPR (Point Per Reception) formats.

  • PPR Value: His 35 receptions in 2025 made him a viable streaming option during bye weeks. His high catch rate ensures a steady stream of points.
  • Touchdown Dependency: Because his yardage totals per game rarely exceed 50 yards, his "breakout" potential is heavily dependent on finding the end zone.
  • Dynasty Outlook: In dynasty leagues, Mayer remains a valuable asset. Tight ends typically take 3-4 years to reach their prime production years. Given his pedigree and increasing target share, his best statistical seasons likely lie ahead in 2026 and 2027.

Conclusion and Statistical Summary

Michael Mayer has proven to be a reliable and productive NFL tight end through his first three seasons. While his raw yardage totals might not match the "elite" tier of receivers like Travis Kelce, his efficiency, blocking capability, and situational reliability make him indispensable to the Las Vegas Raiders.

From his record-breaking days at Notre Dame to his current role as a versatile veteran in Las Vegas, Mayer’s stats tell a story of consistency. As he enters the 2026 season, fans and analysts expect his targets to continue trending upward as the Raiders' offense matures.

Michael Mayer Career Highlights

  • NFL Career Receptions: 83
  • NFL Career Receiving Yards: 788
  • NFL Career Touchdowns: 3
  • College Receptions (Notre Dame Record): 180
  • Highest Single-Game Yards: 89 (vs. NY Giants, 2025)

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Michael Mayer Stats

What is Michael Mayer's career high in receiving yards?

Michael Mayer's career high for receiving yards in a single game is 89 yards, achieved in Week 17 of the 2025 season against the New York Giants. His season-high for total yards is 328, also set in 2025.

How many touchdowns does Michael Mayer have in the NFL?

As of the end of the 2025 season, Michael Mayer has recorded 3 receiving touchdowns in the NFL. He scored 2 in his rookie year (2023) and 1 in the 2025 season.

Did Michael Mayer break records at Notre Dame?

Yes, Michael Mayer is the all-time leader at Notre Dame for receptions (180), receiving yards (2,099), and touchdowns (18) by a tight end. He surpassed former record-holders such as Tyler Eifert.

What is Michael Mayer's PFF grade?

In the 2025 NFL season, Michael Mayer earned an overall PFF grade of 64.6. His receiving-specific grade was higher, at 69.8, reflecting his effectiveness in the passing game.

How many games has Michael Mayer played for the Raiders?

Michael Mayer has appeared in 38 games for the Las Vegas Raiders from 2023 through 2025, starting in 32 of those contests.

What is Michael Mayer's height and weight?

Michael Mayer is listed at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters) tall and weighs approximately 265 pounds (120 kg), providing him with the ideal frame for an NFL tight end.