Raiders Re-Sign TE Ian Thomas

[JRaider17]

[Viper]

Our tight end room is absolutely legit. I like Thomas, he adds good value to the team.

[JRaider17]

I remember there being some training camp hype around Thomas. I think with a better play and signal caller he has a nice opportunity to make the team and actually make some noise during the season.

[RunOverByHubbard]

From what little I saw him and remembered about him, he made a good impression. Like the signing. If there is one position we don't need to draft, it is TE. If you are wanting a special teams player (some are tight ends), I like big safeties, linebackers for that anyway.

[chucker]

Thomas is ok and he's a good guy to have on the roster. I'd still be happy to have them add Riley Nowakowski in the 6th or 7th. Mayer is in the final year of his rookie deal.

[BoJacksonRules]

The dude has looked damn good when given reps.

[KillerRaider30]

The dude has looked damn good when given reps.

He's thier best blocking TE also.

[mstrbass2000]

i wonder if mayer could be moved in a trade

[GoodTimeCharlie]

i wonder if mayer could be moved in a trade

He could, of course, but he won’t be. He’s worth more to us than we could get for him in a trade.

[mstrbass2000]

He could, of course, but he won’t be. He’s worth more to us than we could get for him in a trade.

1.7 cap saving this yr vs 1.3 dead future
plus we just signed a blocking tight end that can catch for cheap

mayer could be throw in in a trade for a need position

[chucker]

Mayer has more value to the Raiders than he would bring in trade IMO. I think the number of games he's missed for various reasons makes him too much of an unknown for a potential trade partner to bring real value. He's a quality receiving TE and a decent blocker and gives Kubiak more freedom to use Bowers as a chess piece than relying on Thomas would in the same role. Mayer's presence helps Mendoza and Bowers.

[raidersince63]

If Mayer is traded it won't be over his small salary and it certainly won't be because the recently acquired TE is somehow better, because he's not.

[raiderboyron]

This was discussed last year also. Mayer is a chess piece that, while not top tier elite, I'm sure fits coaches plans well. Would be a starter on many other teams. Just hope his head stays straight.

[DanKD]

Im suprised half the team didnt disappear with mental health difficulties with the coaching staffs we have had the past three years.

[chucker]

Thomas is meh, but he's a role player that you don't mind having on the roster as long as he's not on the field a ton. He's not making things easier for you in 12 personnel because nobody thinks he's a threat as a receiver. I would be pretty happy if we drafted Riley Novakowski in the 6th round and got a fresh start with him on a rookie deal. He might not be a key guy in 2026, but would make it easy to let Mayer walk next offseason and still have some continuity in 2027.