USA TODAY Sports

Raiders Under Contract: Jakobi Meyers

Originally posted on Las Vegas Raiders on SI
By Aidan Champion | Last updated Jan 11, 2024 10:00 AM ET

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers turned out to be the team's best free agent signing of the 2023 season.

On a team with Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow, and an up-and-coming rookie tight end, Michael Mayer, Meyers finished the season second in team receiving yards (807) and led all players in touchdowns with 10 (two rushing and eight receiving). He also threw a touchdown pass.

Meyers' eight receiving touchdowns matched his total number of receiving touchdowns he recorded in his four seasons with the New England Patriots. In fact, he did not even score a receiving touchdown in his first two NFL seasons.

The Raiders signed Meyers to a three-year, $33-million contract last March. He had been known well by then Raiders Coach Josh McDaniels and General Manager Dave Ziegler from their years in New England.

Meyers' $11-million per year average made him the 25th highest-paid wide receiver in the 2023 NFL season. He was the third highest-paid on the Raiders' roster, trailing only Adams and Renfrow.

The former undrafted free agent made his presence felt as a Raider immediately when he willed Las Vegas to a Week 1 17-16 victory over the Denver Broncos with an 81-yard, two-touchdown performance. It was clear early on the Raiders' investment in the fifth-year pro was well worth it.

While Adams was still Las Vegas' top receiver this season, Meyers was arguably the most consistent. His role on the Raiders will be crucial in these coming years, especially with the uncertainty of Adams' and Renfrow's futures with the Silver and Black.

Should it get to a point where Meyers is the team's premiere wideout, his veteran experience will also help in the development of 22-year-old wide receiver Tre Tucker, whose upside is incredibly promising.

From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.

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This article first appeared on Las Vegas Raiders on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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