Raiders Eye Trade Options as Meyers’ Future Remains Uncertain

As the Las Vegas Raiders prepare to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 9, the team’s focus shifts to both their upcoming matchup and the looming NFL trade deadline, with the future of wide receiver Jakobi Meyers a key talking point.

The Raiders, currently sitting at 2-5, have a long road ahead if they hope to make a playoff push. While a dramatic turnaround is still possible, it appears the team may need to reconsider its strategy. After hiring Pete Carroll and trading for Geno Smith, the organization expressed a desire to contend immediately. However, with the season not going as planned, the Raiders may shift their focus toward building for the future.

One player at the center of trade talks is Jakobi Meyers. After requesting a trade earlier in the season, Meyers reaffirmed his desire to move on, particularly with his contract set to expire after the season. Although the Raiders have been reluctant to trade him without a compelling offer, the possibility of dealing the wide receiver remains on the table.

The New England Patriots, with an extra fourth-round pick from a previous draft trade, could be the team to make a deal. The Patriots, who are pushing for a playoff spot, could use Meyers’ skill set to further enhance their passing game. A trade for Meyers would offer the Raiders solid value in return, particularly considering his uncertain long-term future in Las Vegas.

1. Raiders’ Positioning for the Future

With a 2-5 record heading into Week 9, the Raiders are in a difficult position to make a postseason run. Despite bringing in Pete Carroll as head coach and acquiring Geno Smith in an effort to win now, their plans have not unfolded as expected. The team’s struggles have prompted discussions about a potential shift in strategy, one that may prioritize future assets over a playoff push this season. Jakobi Meyers’ situation exemplifies the Raiders’ need to balance short-term goals with long-term planning. The wide receiver, set to become a free agent after the season, requested a trade earlier in the year and reiterated his desire to move on. With the team’s playoff hopes dwindling, it seems increasingly likely that the Raiders will opt to trade Meyers rather than risk losing him for nothing when he walks in free agency. However, the Raiders are not simply looking to offload Meyers for any offer. According to reports, they would be content to keep the wide receiver unless they receive a strong proposal. With his potential departure in the offseason, the Raiders may seek to maximize his value and recoup something in return, potentially setting the stage for a trade before the deadline. Las Vegas is also facing broader questions about its roster and future. While players like Meyers may be on the move, the team’s front office will need to evaluate which other assets are expendable as they reshape the roster for the future. The coming weeks will be crucial for the Raiders as they assess their options and determine the best path forward.

2. Patriots Eyeing Meyers to Bolster Offense

The New England Patriots, now at 6-2 and surging toward a playoff spot, could be the ideal suitor for Meyers. With an extra fourth-round pick at their disposal, the Patriots are well-positioned to make a trade for the wide receiver, further strengthening their offense. Meyers would provide an immediate upgrade to the team’s receiving corps, complementing the established playmakers already on the roster. Meyers, who spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Patriots, would likely have an easier transition back to New England’s system. Having worked under Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels during his initial stint with the team, Meyers is familiar with the offensive scheme and could quickly re-establish his chemistry with the Patriots’ quarterbacks. His previous success in New England—amassing over 1,000 receiving yards in 2024—would make him an invaluable addition to the team’s passing attack. With rookie quarterback Drake Maye emerging as a star in the NFL, adding Meyers would give the Patriots a dangerous trio of receivers. Stefon Diggs has been Maye’s primary target, but adding Meyers alongside Kayshon Boutte would create a dynamic group capable of challenging defenses on every level. Tight end Hunter Henry also plays a crucial role in the passing game, and Meyers’ addition would give New England one of the most well-rounded receiving units in the league. For New England, the addition of Meyers would further solidify its push for the postseason. By acquiring the wide receiver, the Patriots would demonstrate their commitment to surrounding Maye with the talent needed to compete for a playoff spot and make a deep run. The move would reflect their belief in the team’s current trajectory and help establish a more potent offensive attack.

3. Las Vegas Faces Tough Decisions at the Deadline

The Raiders are now faced with a difficult decision regarding Jakobi Meyers. While the team may prefer to hold onto him for the remainder of the season, the prospect of losing him for nothing in free agency could prompt a change in approach. With their playoff hopes dimming, trading Meyers for a valuable draft pick, such as New England’s fourth-round selection, could be the prudent course of action. The timing of a potential trade is critical. If the Raiders fail to find a trade partner that meets their asking price, they may be forced to keep Meyers and risk losing him for nothing in the offseason. However, with Meyers’ contract expiring and the team’s struggles continuing, the Raiders may ultimately decide that securing a draft pick is the best way to maximize his value before the deadline. For the Patriots, the decision to pursue Meyers would be a clear signal of their commitment to making a playoff push. With a strong roster and an emerging quarterback, the Patriots could use the extra firepower to solidify their position in the playoff race. Adding Meyers would not only strengthen their receiving corps but also provide them with an experienced veteran to help lead the offense through the stretch run. As the trade deadline approaches, the Raiders will have to weigh their options carefully. With the possibility of a Meyers trade looming, the coming days will be crucial in determining the team’s direction for the rest of the season and beyond.