Who Should I Start? Michael Mayer or Brenton Strange

Saturday, March 1, 12:17 PM

According to league sources, the Las Vegas Raiders have had discussions with teams who have interest in tight end Michael Mayer. The team's second-round selection in 2023, Mayer hasn't had the type of impact the Raiders were hoping for, which is why they took Brock Bowers in the first round in 2024. Not only did Bowers become a first-team All-Pro in his rookie season, but Mayer had only 27 catches for 304 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games in his first year in 2023. He missed six games last season due to personal reasons and was barely heard from as Bowers excelled. It makes more sense for Vegas to trade Mayer for assets, and since he'll be on a team-friendly deal for two more years, there should be several teams that are interested. Mayer was completely off the fantasy radar in 2024, but he could resurface as a sleeper if he's traded to a team that utilizes him much more as a pass-catcher.

Sunday, May 25, 1:25 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange said on the O-Zone Podcast that he's ready to step into a bigger role with Even Engram now longer in town. "I'm definitely ready for it," Strange said. "I have a lot of confidence in myself and I've always had a lot of confidence in myself. I feel like I'm always one of the best players on the field. I feel like that's the mentality I bring." In 17 games (10 starts) last year, Strange finished third on the team with 40 catches and second with 411 receiving yards while scoring twice. Johnny Mundt, Hunter Long and Quintin Morris, who are behind Strange on the TE depth chart, had 31 combined receptions in 2024. Strange certainly has opportunity, but he's unlikely to be better than the third target for quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the passing attack when he's not blocking. At best, consider Strange a TE2 with upside in fantasy.