Who Should I Start? Michael Mayer or Stone Smartt

Friday, December 5, 6:27 PM

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 14 matchup against the Denver Broncos. This news comes as no surprise, given the fact that Mayer hasn't practiced since suffering an ankle injury in Week 12. Mayer will miss his second straight game, but head coach Pete Carroll did express optimism that Mayer could return in Week 15 when the team faces the Philadelphia Eagles. With Mayer out again, Carter Runyon and Ian Thomas should see increased snaps. Neither of them is worth a look as a streaming option for Week 14. Brock Bowers is healthy and is the top receiving option in this offense. Mayer has only 22 receptions for 182 yards and one touchdown in nine games in 2025.

Thursday, March 13, 4:21 PM

The New York Jets signed former Los Angeles Chargers tight end Stone Smartt to an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday, a source tells NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Smartt was a restricted free agent this offseason but was not tendered by the Bolts, making him available to all teams. The 26-year-old former undrafted free agent came on strong late last year for L.A. and finished with career-highs in catches (16) and receiving yards (208) on 19 targets in 15 regular-season games (two starts), although he didn't find the end zone at all. Smartt could have an opportunity to build on his 2024 season in his new home in New York in 2025, as Tyler Conklin and Kenny Yeboah are currently unrestricted free agents. The only other TE on the Jets' current roster is Jeremy Ruckert. The Jets could still add to the position in free agency and the draft, but Smartt will be one to watch heading into training camp this summer.