The Las Vegas Raiders traded wide receiver Jakobi Meyers to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Tuesday, hours before the league trade deadline, for 2026 fourth and sixth-round picks.
Here are some thoughts on the deal:
Raiders had to do it:
Yes, coach Pete Carroll said Monday that he really wasn’t thinking about the future when it came to making trades. That’s fine, but the reality is the Raiders had to trade Meyers, who’s been quietly looking to get out of town for two-plus months. They’re 2-6, he was clearly
not going to re-sign with the team in free agency. There was no other choice but to move on. Waiting for Meyers to leave in free agency and counting on a 2027 comp pick that may or may not happen, never made sense. This deal needed to be made and Las Vegas general manger John Spytek did the only thing that made sense.
Good haul:
The Raiders reportedly wanted a third-round pick for Meyers. That wasn’t going to happen, but to get two picks for him, with one being a fourth rounder is solid move for a player who had no future in Las Vegas. The Raiders now have drat picks next spring and may get a couple more mid-round comp picks. So, they have some ammo to try to move up in the draft to get a quarterback. The truth is, though, they may have to part with their second and third-round picks to get a big trade up done. So, the fourth-round picks give some insurance to help build out a draft class.
What receiver room looks like now:
It’s thin, that’s for sure. The two wide receivers are now Tre Tucker and newly signed veteran Tyler Lockett. Neither are top-level starters, but Tucker does have flashes of production. This trade should get rookie Jack Beck and Dont’e Thornton more opportunities. Bech didn’t play any offensive snaps on Sunday against Jacksonville and Thornton was a healthy scratch for the first time. They both need more reps and this trade should help accomplish trade. Still, the Raiders have to hope to stay healthy or the position could be a mess down the stretch.
Heavy tight-end looks:
Of course, the Raiders are going to use tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer at the same time often, that will help with the lack of wide-receiver options. Still, defenses can do things to combat that attack, so the receivers will have to step up on the post-Meyers’ roster.
Any more trades?
Meyers was the Raiders’ main trade chip, but there have been reported interest in other players. They include tight end Michael Mayer, guard Jackson Powers-Johnson, cornerback Eric Stokes and pass-rusher Malcolm Koonce. There was a report Tuesday that said the Green Bay Packers inquired about Mayer with Tucker Kraft out for the season. I wouldn’t say any further Las Vegas trades are likely, but anything is possible.
Good for Meyers:
Meyers handled his trade request with professionalism and class. He never caused a distraction and he did his job all the while seeking a fresh start because the Raiders wouldn’t give him a new deal. In the end, he got his wish and he showed players around the league how to best handle such situations.
Jaguars made sense:
Reportedly, Buffalo and Pittsburgh were among the teams also interested in acquiring Meyers. But the Jaguars, who saw Meyers in person two days ago, made sense. They need some help with Travis Hunter out and they are a playoff contender at 5-3. Also, Jaguars wide receivers coach Edgar Bennett was his position coach with the Raiders the past two years. So, this is a good fit.
