Raiders made mistake denying Jakobi Meyers’ trade request

The Las Vegas Raiders made their intentions to compete clear by denying wide receiver Jakobi Meyers' trade request. However, this decision could ultimately cost the team by this time next season.

Meyers' request came after his side failed to come to an agreement with the Raiders on an extension. Instead, he'll play out the final year of his three-year, $33 million deal with the chance to become a free agent in 2026.

The Raiders have added star-caliber talent to their offense in recent years, most notably with tight end Brock Bowers in 2024 and rookie running back Ashton Jeanty. But the team appears content with Meyers, who has been good, but not spectacular, leading the wide receiver corps once again.

After bringing in veteran quarterback Geno Smith, it's understandable why Las Vegas is eager to contend again. Even when considering the team's injection of youth and the dominance of defensive end Maxx Crosby, though, the Raiders will have an uphill battle to become above-average. 

If Las Vegas is unable to make the leap, failing to trade Meyers will go down as a mistake.

Raiders shouldn't count on postseason return with Meyers

The seventh-year receiver posted the best season of his career in 2024, tallying 1,000 receiving yards (1,027) for the first time. Meyers also notched a career-high 87 receptions as a focal point of the Raiders' offense. 

With Jeanty, a back capable of managing 300 touches, in the fold, though, the same opportunities won't be there for Meyers in 2025. As a result, his value will never be higher than it is now.

There isn't a shortage of teams that could use Meyers' multi-faceted skill set on offense. It's possible that the Raiders never received an intriguing offer, but it seems more likely the team just didn't want to trade the 28-year-old.

Perhaps Las Vegas is hoping for Meyers to regress in a contract year to re-sign him on a cheaper deal, but that's still flawed thinking. 

The Raiders are a near-lock to finish at the bottom of the AFC West in 2025. The team could have traded Meyers for future assets while viewing this season for what it is — a rebuilding year. 

Instead, the team is clinging to a postseason pipe dream by retaining Meyers, risking losing him for nothing next offseason. 

If the Raiders shock the world and return to the playoffs, the franchise's front office will be praised for retaining their top receiver. If the more likely scenario plays out, though, the team will be wishing it had granted Meyers' request.