Silver And Black Pride
Monday, news broke that Las Vegas Raiders No. 1 wide receiver Jakobi Meyers has requested a trade because he hasn’t received a new contract. Also, the Raiders brought back Amari Cooper on Monday afternoon.
Here are some thoughts on the development:
It’s a tricky situation:
It’s understandable that Meyers wants a new deal. He is entering the final season of a three-year deal that is paying him about $11 million. He had a career season in 2024 and has seen some teammates receiver extensions from the new Las Vegas brass this offseason. On the other hand, the Raiders may not want to commit to Meyers long term so this could be a situation that lingers. Other than Cooper, The Raiders have an otherwise young and unproven wide receiver room (Cooper is 31 and had 44 catches last season) and they need Meyers. Would he not play if he doesn’t get a new deal or if he’s not traded? This has a chance to be sticky.
Not ideal timing:
A sticky situation is not what new general manager John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll want to deal with this close to the season. Meyers is a key member of the organization. The Raiders navigated through the strange Christian Wilkins release and it would be tough for them to deal with more drama now. Carroll has said the Raiders are “going for it” immediately. Trading their No. 1 receiver likely wouldn’t make the 2025 Raiders better (unless they could get an impact player n return), so that has to be a consideration for the franchise.
There will be interest:
As Josina Anderson report, there will be some interest in Meyers. Among possible teams that could show interest could include the New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots. Meyers signed with the Raiders from New England in 2023 and was brought to Las Vegas by Josh McDaniels who also coached Meyers in New England. McDaniels back on the Patriots’ coaching staff. By the way, the Raiders and Patriots open the season on September 7.
What could they get?
Hard to say, maybe a high third-round pick with potential to become a second-round pick? If the Raiders let Meyers walk in free agency in the offseason, they could be in line for a third-round comp pick in 2027.
Another trade of a No. 1 receiver?
Meyers became the Raiders’ top wide receiver last October when they traded Davante Adams to the New York Jets for a third-round pick after things went sideways between the player and franchise. Will it happen again for the second time in less than a year?
Where does Cooper come into play?
Is the Cooper signing a result of the Meyers’ development? Perhaps, but perhaps not. It is insurance but the Raiders have been looking at veteran in recent days, anyway. Cooper should have a role if Meyers is on the team or not on the team. The truht is, at this point,...
