Although the Las Vegas Raiders did a good job of locking up Maxx Crosby and Geno Smith to extensions before the 2025 season, Jakobi Meyers’ future with the organization remains in flux.
Throughout the offseason, Meyers was transparent about his desire to remain in Las Vegas and expressed a willingness to sign a contract extension. However, the Raiders seem to disagree on his value, as the two sides have yet to make any headway on a deal, prompting Meyers to ask for a trade.
It’s common practice for players to request a trade if they don’t get a new contract, but Las Vegas isn’t forced to deal him if they can’t find a suitable trade partner. For now, Meyers is set to suit up for Week 1 against his former team, the New England Patriots.
During the practice week, Meyers acknowledged the Raiders denied his trade request and is ready for whatever happens, via Vince Sapienza of FOX5 Las Vegas:
“I asked, they said no and that’s kind of where that stopped. But I mean I’m gonna just keep doing my job until something shake out either way, honestly. I don’t know which way it’s gonna go, but I’ll be ready for whatever.”
Meyers also admitted he’s not necessarily confident that something will get done between him and Las Vegas:
“I wouldn’t say I’m pretty confident. I really don’t know where it’s gonna go. Like I said, I’m ready. I’m ready to go if you want me to go, I’m ready to play if you need me to play.”
Las Vegas drafted a couple of wide receivers in Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton in the 2025 NFL Draft, so there are replacements on the roster if it decides to part ways with Meyers. While the veteran isn’t a household name, he’s coming off a career year and can be a great safety valve for Geno Smith and the rest of the offense.
The Raiders have emphasized that they’re looking to compete for a playoff spot this year, so it would make sense for them to keep Meyers around. It remains to be seen how things shake out, though Las Vegas should think long and hard about letting solid pieces like Meyers leave.
Perhaps the Raiders will be more inclined to pay Jakobi Meyers after Amari Cooper shockingly decided to retire. Meyers reportedly requested a trade before the Cooper signing, and now has even more leverage in negotiations.
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