Raiders trade idea adds do-it-all $40 million tight end to pair with Brock Bowers

23 hours ago 1

Over the last two years, the Las Vegas Raiders have put significant resources into their tight end room with mixed results.

In 2023, they took Notre Dame tight end and two-time All-American Michael Mayer in the second round (No. 35 overall). However, through his first two seasons, he's played in 25 games and caught just 48 passes for 460 yards and two touchdowns.

Part of the reason for his low output in 2024 (21 receptions for 156 yards) was Las Vegas' decision to take Georgia tight end and two-time John Mackey Award winner Brock Bowers in the first round (No. 13 overall).

The former Bulldog was dominant as a rookie, catching 112 passes for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.

With Mayer likely on the outs, the Raiders may be looking for another tight end to play alongside and behind Bowers, and they may be able to find one in a trade. In fact, Pro Football and Sports Network recently identified Las Vegas as a potential fit for tight end Taysom Hill in a trade.

Hill, 34, was a quarterback in college at BYU from 2012-16 before the Green Bay Packers signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2017. He was released during roster cuts in his rookie season, and the New Orleans Saints claimed him.

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Over his eight seasons in the NFL, Hill has returned kicks and played quarterback and tight end on offense. In his career, he's caught 99 passes for 943 yards and 11 touchdowns, ran for 2,437 yards and 33 touchdowns on 5.6 yards per attempt and completed 63.9% of his passes for 2,369 yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

That type of versatile weapon could be useful for any team, including the Raiders, who could have him as an extra tight end and quarterback behind the recently-acquired-and-extended Geno Smith.

New Orleans has had salary cap issues for years now and trading Hill after June 1 would open up another $10 million. Considering they have a new head coach (Kellen Moore) and will likely be moving on from Derek Carr after 2025, they may be willing to trade Hill in the last year of his deal and get something in return.