The Raiders have placed a perfect trade target on the block for the Chargers, but the longstanding rivalry between the two teams could prevent a deal from going through.
The Raiders have a talented player available that would be an ideal fit for the Chargers’ needs, but trading within the division is a tough proposition. The Chargers and Raiders have a fierce rivalry, which often makes inter-division trades extremely rare, as teams are generally hesitant to strengthen their rivals.
Even though the trade makes sense on paper, the rivalry might be too significant for the Raiders to consider sending a key player to the Chargers, especially if it could help the Chargers get stronger for the season ahead. While it’s the perfect trade target for the Bolts, the likelihood of a deal happening may be slim because of the competitive tension between the teams.
The Las Vegas Raiders may have found their next star at tight end in former Georgia Bulldog Brock Bowers, which could lead them to move on from another promising young tight end who was once highly regarded in the NFL Draft.
The LA Chargers could potentially take advantage of this situation.
According to Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed of The Athletic, the Raiders have been in discussions with other teams about trading former Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer. After being selected by Las Vegas in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Mayer’s playing time has decreased in 2024 with Bowers now on the roster. Mayer’s total offensive snaps have dropped from 602 in 2023 to 460 this season.
Raiders’ Michael Mayer is a perfect trade target for the Chargers
The Chargers have a significant need at tight end and could greatly benefit from acquiring a young, cost-effective option with high potential. Michael Mayer, who was a favorite among many Chargers fans two years ago, has had a quiet start to his career, but his high ceiling remains if he lands with the right team.
If Colston Loveland or Tyler Warren aren’t available to the Chargers in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, their options will be limited. While the tight end class offers several pass-catching prospects, many of the mid-round options come with concerns, and it’s a lot to ask of a rookie tight end to step in as the primary pass catcher.
The free-agent tight end market is also lacking, so when a player like Mayer becomes available, the Chargers have to take notice.
However, there is a major obstacle in a potential trade: Mayer plays for the Raiders. Division rivals rarely make trades, and the AFC West teams are no exception.
The Raiders would be reluctant to help the Chargers strengthen their roster, and they’d likely choose any offer from another team over one from the Bolts, even if the draft pick is lower. The Raiders might prioritize keeping Mayer out of the Chargers’ hands, even if it means sacrificing a few spots in the draft.
This rivalry-driven dynamic could derail any trade talks before they even begin. The Raiders don’t have to move Mayer this offseason and would only do so if they received a compelling offer. For the Chargers, the “AFC West tax” could make this trade unlikely.
While there’s a slim chance that the new front office in Las Vegas could overlook the rivalry and help the Chargers, it’s more probable that Mayer ends up elsewhere, leaving the Bolts to watch a perfect trade target slip away.
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