The Pittsburgh Steelers have finally solved their quarterback situation for the 2025 season, as Aaron Rodgers is set to sign a one-year deal with the team before mandatory minicamp next week.
Rodgers eventually signing with the Steelers was the expectation, but now that it is done, general manager Omar Khan can focus on the rest of the roster and try to upgrade other positions ahead of the season.
One position that Pittsburgh is looking to add to is tight end. Though Pat Freiermuth is a solid starter and Darnell Washington is adequate depth, the Steelers have shown interest in upgrading the position and could use another player in the position group after Donald Parham went down with a season-ending Achilles injury.
Pittsburgh has had discussions with the Miami Dolphins about trading for Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith. However, if they can’t get a deal done with Miami for Smith, The Draft Network’s Justin Melo believes the Steelers should try to trade for Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer to help out Rodgers.
Michael Mayer is among the most obvious training camp trade candidates in the NFL.
[Brock] Bowers turned in a prolific rookie campaign, further reducing Mayer’s impact in the offense. It’s crazy to think the Raiders have already employed three general managers (Champ Kelly, Tom Telesco, John Spytek) since the one who originally drafted Mayer (Dave Ziegler) just two years ago. Pittsburgh could give him the fresh start he needs.
Mayer desperately needs a fresh start. The 2023 second-round pick has the potential to be a productive starting tight end but won’t receive many opportunities in Las Vegas due to the emergence of Brock Bowers, who was an All-Pro during his rookie campaign in 2024.
There were reports earlier in the offseason that teams around the league inquired about Mayer’s availability on the market, and the Raiders could be willing to move him for a decent package. Pittsburgh could look to take a flyer on the young tight end, as he has plenty of promise and could form a nice duo with Freiermuth.
Trading for Mayer should only cost a Day 3 pick, and he still has a few years left on his rookie contract, which is incredibly cheap. Making a trade for the Notre Dame product would be a low-risk, high-reward move. Rodgers needs as many playmakers as possible, and Mayer has the potential to be a dominant tight end in the right situation.
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