Who Should I Start? Michael Mayer or Tyler Warren

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 9, 12:24 PM

The Indianapolis Colts signed rookie first-round tight end Tyler Warren to a four-year, fully-guaranteed $20.9 million contract on Friday that includes an $11.88 million signing bonus, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Colts also signed six other draft picks, including cornerback Justin Walley, tackle Jalen Travis, running back DJ Giddens, quarterback Riley Leonard, defensive tackle Tim Smith and safety Hunter Wohler. The Colts took Warren with the 14th overall pick in this year's draft out of Penn State, and they're hoping he can be the standout pass-catching TE they've been searching for for quite a while. He has a huge frame at 6-foot-5, 256 pounds and has plenty of after-the-catch ability, but fantasy managers should probably pump the brakes on Warren being the next Sam LaPorta or Brock Bowers in his rookie season given the uncertainty at the QB position in Indy.