Who Should I Start? Michael Mayer or Elijah Arroyo

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.

Friday, May 2, 11:55 PM

Seattle Seahawks rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo (knee) said that the knee injury that slowed him down during the pre-draft process is behind him. Arroyo didn't run the 40-yard dash at the scouting combine in February or at his Pro Day due to his knee injury, but the Seahawks estimated that the 6-foot-5, 254-pounder would run a 4.52-second 40 based on his GPS speeds. Despite his knee issue, the Seahawks selected the 22-year-old former Miami product in the second round (50th overall) in last week's draft. Seattle still has Noah Fant, who caught 48 passes for 500 yards and a touchdown on 64 targets in 14 games in 2024, but Arroyo has a shot to carve out a significant role in his rookie season, especially as a red-zone target for quarterback Sam Darnold. Arroyo can probably be ignored in standard redraft leagues this fall but will be an intriguing dynasty/keeper prospect long-term.