NFL analyst dubs Raiders $18 million superstar playmaker as underpaid
Bowers had an excellent rookie campaign and has already established himself as one of the best tight ends in football. Bleacher Report's Alex Kay even believes that the Georgia product is the most underpaid tight end in the league.
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The 21-year-old signed a four-year rookie deal worth $18.1 million with the Raiders after being drafted in 2024.
"Bowers may not be handsomely paid quite yet, but don't be surprised when he sets the table for the position with a record-breaking extension as soon as he becomes eligible," Kay wrote.
The Raiders' offense was abysmal in 2024, but Bowers was one of the lone bright spots. The 22-year-old played 17 games and led all tight ends in catches (112) and yards (1,194). The 6-foot-4 playmaker was also selected to the Pro Bowl and earned first-team All-Pro nods.
With him still being on his rookie contract, Bowers is the 31st-highest-paid tight end in the NFL. However, the superstar pass-catcher will cash in on a historic extension if he continues playing at a high level, so Las Vegas won't have him on a team-friendly contract for the long term.
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Bowers was dynamic last season, but he should be even better in 2025. With Geno Smith now at quarterback instead of Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell, Bowers could unlock the next level of his game and become one of the league's most potent offensive weapons.
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