After a career year in a shaky Las Vegas Raiders offense, wide receiver Jakobi Meyers believed he earned a pay raise. When a new deal failed to materialize, he asked for a trade, setting up a difficult situation. The team’s refusal to grant his request has left his future in Sin City uncertain as both sides begin a pivotal season.
What Does the Rejected Trade Request Mean for Jakobi Meyers’ Future?
The Raiders informed Meyers they would not accept his trade request, and he understood their position. “I asked, they said no. That’s where that stopped,” Meyers said. “I mean, I’m just going to keep doing my job until something shakes out either way, honestly. I don’t know which way it’s going to go, but I’ll be ready for whatever.”
Following the team’s decision, Meyers adopted an “it is what it is” approach. He is set to play the 2025 season in Las Vegas, aiming to prove his value again after recording 87 catches for 1,027 yards and four touchdowns during the 2024 campaign. That performance seemed to position him for a contract extension, but when the two sides couldn’t reach an agreement, he asked for a move elsewhere.
Instead of creating a conflict that could damage his chances at a future payday, he accepted the Raiders’ decision. The organization views him as too valuable to an offense now led by veteran signal-caller Geno Smith.
“It’s a job,” Meyers said. “At the end of the day, I’m happy to be doing my job with my boys, but I can be happy anywhere.”
Meyers will make $10.76 million this season, a salary comparable to receivers like Darius Slayton, Josh Palmer, and Tutu Atwell. This payment is part of the three-year, $33 million contract he originally signed. With his contract expiring, he will become a free agent in the upcoming 2026 offseason.
Meyers has not ruled out the possibility of remaining with the Raiders long-term. The team, which finished 4-13 last year amid inconsistent quarterback play, is hopeful that Smith, who previously played under coach Pete Carroll with the Seattle Seahawks, will bring stability to the position.
Both sides appear to be using this season as an evaluation period. “They are looking at me to see if they want me here. I’m looking at them to see if I want to be around them,” Meyers said. “We are all kind of doing the same thing, and we’re gonna see how it plays out.”
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In other roster news, the Raiders’ receiving corps saw some changes. Second-round pick Jack Bech could not secure a top-three spot on the depth chart, which allowed fourth-rounder Dont’e Thornton to earn playing time. Additionally, Carroll’s team briefly added veteran Amari Cooper before he chose to retire ahead of the season.
Meyers will hope to boost his stock with a strong Week 2 showing against the Los Angeles Chargers.
