{
  "id": 6963259,
  "title": "Raiders TE Michael Mayer new deal shocking career turnaround in Las Vegas",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/raiders-te-michael-mayer-new-deal-shocking-career-turnaround-in-las",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-12T17:46:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/raiders-te-michael-mayer-deal-174635128.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Las Vegas Raiders have extended their contract with former second round tight end Michael Mayer until 2029. This extension was announced on Saturday, earning the support of the fans with a graphic reading #RaiderNation. Mayer expressed his excitement and gratitude during the signing, stating he intends to remain with the team for a long time. It is difficult to imagine Mayer expressing such sentiments after his underwhelming rookie season and following struggles. After being picked 35th overall, Mayer was replaced by Brock Bowers in the next draft. Injuries forced Mayer to miss the first 7 weeks of his second season, returning to play just 21 times and catch only 156 yards. Initially, the media speculated about a potential trade for Mayer. However, as Bowers continued to play well, Mayer's role seemed to diminish, leading to speculation of him moving on after the 2026 season. Astonishingly, Mayer and the Raiders surprised everyone by signing an extension, cementing Mayer's status as a starting tight end in the league. The turnaround for Mayer, who initially felt replaced and needed a change of scenery, is commendable. John Spytek's creation of a positive environment at the Raiders appears to have played a significant role in this remarkable career shift.",
  "summary": "Not long ago the thought of Michael Mayer re-upping in Las Vegas seemed impossible. Making his new deal all the more stunning and inspiring.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "New era of Dolphins football begins with opener in Vegas against Raiders",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/new-era-of-dolphins-football-begins-with-opener-in-vegas-against",
        "published": "2026-09-12T13:15:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}