When Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers requested a trade from the organization after not reaching terms on an extension during training camp, the clock began on how long he’d remain with the team.
The Raiders have kept him, as he’s performed well: 29 catches for 329 yards in six games. He missed Las Vegas’ most recent game, a 31-0 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
With the Raiders at a 2-5 record and the trade deadline approaching, they may be more willing to deal Meyers than they previously had been. Here are four teams that may be in the market for the veteran receiver.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Though the Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing in veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to add to their receiving corps, he only answers one of their issues in the passing game. They lacked a deep threat, which is the role Valdes-Scantling will fill. But they’re still lacking a possession receiver opposite DK Metcalf.
Wide receivers Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson are best suited to perform out of the slot, meaning Meyers’ presence in Pittsburgh could allow everyone else to fall into place. It’d also take some of the defensive attention off Metcalf, who, at the moment, is the only dangerous target in this Steelers receiving corps.
With this presumably being quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ final season, and him playing good football right now, look for Pittsburgh’s decision-makers to make an all-in play as they aim to cash in while they have Rodgers — their best passer in years.
New England Patriots
Having won five straight games after a 1-2 start, the New England Patriots don’t need Meyers. But they certainly could use him, as they’re relying on an egalitarian approach from the receiver position.
It’s worked thus far, with each of Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, and Mack Hollins having amassed more than 200 receiving yards through eight games. However, that strategy has the potential to wane in effectiveness down the stretch, as defenses will have more film and refine their game plan to limit the options for quarterback Drake Maye.
Adding another veteran to the room — who has also been in New England — in Meyers would only benefit Maye and the Patriots as they navigate success in his second year in the league.
Buffalo Bills
Similar to the Patriots, the Buffalo Bills are rolling. They just dropped 40 points on the Carolina Panthers and are 5-2, well on their way to making the playoffs once again.
But for the second straight season, the receiving corps for quarterback Josh Allen is underwhelming. Second-year man Keon Coleman has yet to make a sophomore leap — instead, he’s actually regressed a bit. Khalil Shakir is the Bills’ leading receiver, but it doesn’t appear that he’ll sniff 1,000 yards on the season.
If Meyers were to join Buffalo, he’d immediately be the top receiver and drop everyone else down one spot in the pecking order. That’d be a good thing, as the current pass-catchers are best in supporting roles instead of leading roles.
One of the reasons the Bills haven’t been able to get past the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs is because of a lack of pass-catching options and playmakers on the outside. Meyers could help that cause.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
While the Buccaneers have a deep receiving room, starter Mike Evans just went down with a season-ending injury, thinning a group already dealing with setbacks to Chris Godwin Jr. and Jalen McMillan. The rest of the receivers are all smaller, speedier options: Emeka Egbuka, Sterling Shepard, and Tez Johnson.
If the Bucs were to trade for Meyers, he would be a hand-in-glove fit in filling Evans’ spot. He may not have the high-level talent Evans has, but he’s a consistent veteran who would mesh well with quarterback Baker Mayfield’s aggressive, tight-window throwing style.
