Jakobi Meyers, the latest addition to the Jacksonville Jaguars, is attracting attention for his exceptional ball-catching ability. After being traded from the Las Vegas Raiders, Meyers stepped into a new environment with high expectations.
A New Chapter for Jakobi Meyers
Having worn No. 16 throughout his seven-year NFL career, Meyers has opted for the number 3 with the Jaguars. His previous number belongs to quarterback Trevor Lawrence, and Meyers chose not to pursue it due to the financial implications.
The trade brought Meyers from a struggling 2-6 Raiders team to a 5-3 Jaguars squad, positioning him as a potential primary target in their offense. Jaguars GM James Gladstone noted that Meyers’ skill set fits well into their strategy, particularly given the team’s struggles with dropped passes.
Impact on the Jaguars’ Passing Game
- Meyers has not recorded more than two drops in any season.
- The Jaguars lead the NFL with 19 dropped passes this season.
- Key receivers like Travis Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr. are sidelined with injuries.
Meyers joined the Jaguars on Tuesday night, passed his physical on Wednesday, and quickly joined practice. He has a prior working relationship with receivers coach Edgar Bennett, who previously coached him at the Raiders. This familiarity will likely expedite his integration into the team’s offensive scheme.
Transition and Future Prospects
With important players sidelined, Meyers’ arrival is timely. Lawrence expressed confidence in Meyers’ ability to adapt quickly to the system. The quarterback noted, “He seems really smart and is picking it up pretty quick already.”
Meyers is in the final year of a three-year contract and will become a free agent in March. However, the Jaguars’ decision to trade for him, giving up two 2026 draft picks, suggests they are hopeful for a long-term relationship.
As Meyers stated, “I’ve got to play good football first. I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.” His focus on immediate performance indicates a commitment to contributing effectively to the Jaguars’ playoff aspirations.
