Jakobi Meyers Brings Reliable Hands and Renewed Energy to Jaguars’ Offense

When Jakobi Meyers learned he was being traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars, he knew one thing immediately — he wouldn’t be wearing his usual No. 16. That number belongs to franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence, and Meyers wasn’t about to negotiate for it. “I understood the price tag that would’ve come with it,” Meyers joked. “I’m good where I’m at.”

Beyond a jersey number, Meyers arrives in Jacksonville with a new opportunity. He moves from a struggling 2-6 Las Vegas Raiders team to a 5-3 Jaguars squad still in the thick of the playoff race. The trade also brings a bigger role — from the Raiders’ second option behind tight end Brock Bowers to potentially the Jaguars’ top receiving target.

The Jaguars see Meyers as a solution to one of their most pressing issues: dropped passes. “What’s his superpower? Not dropping the football,” said Jaguars general manager James Gladstone. “At a surface level, it seems like a perfect fit.”

After passing his physical Wednesday morning, Meyers joined his new teammates on the practice field that afternoon, donning his new No. 3 jersey. He’s expected to play significant snaps in Sunday’s divisional matchup against the Houston Texans as the Jaguars look to solidify their offensive rhythm.

1. Reuniting with Familiar Faces

One of the biggest advantages for Meyers in his transition to Jacksonville is his reunion with receivers coach Edgar Bennett. The two worked together for several seasons with the Raiders, and that existing bond should ease Meyers’ adjustment to the Jaguars’ offensive scheme. “That’s one of my favorite people in life,” Meyers said. “Anytime you already have a relationship with somebody, it’s a little bit easier to move along in the process.” His prior familiarity with Bennett’s coaching style could prove crucial as the Jaguars rush to integrate him into their offensive plans. For Meyers, the change of scenery has been a long time coming. He had reportedly asked to be traded multiple times since August, seeking a situation where he could contribute meaningfully and compete for wins. “I wanted to be in a good spot,” he said. “And I feel like this is one.” The timing couldn’t be better. The Jaguars have been struggling with depth and health at the receiver position, and Meyers’ arrival immediately addresses both issues. With key playmakers sidelined, his presence offers not only reliability but stability in a position group that has lacked consistency all season.

2. Filling a Major Void in the Passing Game

The Jaguars’ receiving corps has been decimated by injuries. Travis Hunter remains on injured reserve with a knee issue, Brian Thomas Jr. is nursing shoulder and ankle problems, and Dyami Brown is in concussion protocol. Veteran Tim Patrick also missed last week’s game with a groin injury. Before Meyers’ arrival, the only healthy receivers on the active roster were Parker Washington and practice-squad call-ups Austin Trammell and Tim Jones. The team’s urgency to acquire a proven wideout reflected their desire to stay competitive amid mounting injuries. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence welcomed the addition, saying Meyers has already impressed during early practices. “He’s picking it up pretty quick,” Lawrence said. “I’m glad we have him. He’s going to help us right away.” Jacksonville’s biggest weakness this season has been drops — a problem Meyers has largely avoided throughout his career. According to ESPN Research, the Jaguars lead the NFL with 19 drops, five of them from Thomas alone. Meyers, by contrast, has recorded only 11 drops in 98 games and has never had more than two in a season.

3. Proving His Worth and Looking Ahead

Meyers’ reliability and professionalism have already stood out to his new teammates and coaching staff. Gladstone praised his sure hands, calling them his “superpower,” and Meyers returned the compliment by acknowledging the effort he’s seen from his new teammates in practice. “Even knowing that’s been an issue, I’ve seen how serious they take it,” Meyers said. “They’re working on it every day. Hopefully, I can come in, do my part, and not add to the problem.” The 28-year-old receiver is entering the final year of a three-year contract and is set to become a free agent in March. The Jaguars, who traded away 2026 fourth- and sixth-round draft picks to acquire him, appear open to an extension — but both sides are waiting to see how the partnership develops. “I’ve got to play good football first,” Meyers said. “I’m not about to come in and ask for a pay raise on the first day. That’s crazy. We’ll see when we get there." For now, Meyers’ focus is on helping Jacksonville push toward the postseason — one catch at a time.