The Jacksonville Jaguars have made their move. Hours before the trade deadline, GM James Gladstone pulled off a major acquisition, sending a 2026 fourth round pick and a 2026 sixth round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for wide receiver Jakobi Meyers.
This is a deal that fits Jacksonville’s timeline, needs, and offensive identity. It also gives the Raiders valuable draft capital as they embrace a transitional phase. For both franchises, this trade checks every box.
How the Trade Makes Sense for Jacksonville
The Jaguars needed reliability at wide receiver more than anything, and Meyers provides exactly that. Jacksonville leads the NFL in drops and has battled injuries throughout the receiver room, including the loss of Travis Hunter. Meyers brings a skill set that directly solves those issues. He is a disciplined route runner, a sure-handed chain mover, and one of the league’s most dependable receivers when it comes to securing the ball.
TRADE: Raiders trade WR Jakobi Meyers to Jaguars in exchange for a 4th and 6th-round pick. (via @rapsheet, @tompelissero) pic.twitter.com/E6Cpmb25aQ
— NFL (@NFL) November 4, 2025
According to PFSN’s WR Impact Rankings, Meyers immediately becomes the Jaguars’ highest graded receiver at 73.2, surpassing Parker Washington’s 69.4. He did not record a single drop in 2024 on 129 targets, owns a career drop percentage of just 3.8%, and has cut that number to a microscopic 1.1% since the start of 2024. When the ball arrives in his area, he brings it down, winning 61% percent of his contested targets across his career.
This is exactly what Trevor Lawrence and Liam Coen’s offense needs. Jacksonville generates the fourth most catchable targets per game and the fourth most catchable air yards per game, but the production has not matched the opportunity due to unreliable hands and a rotating cast of receivers.
Meyers steps in as a natural slot weapon who thrives in the areas where Lawrence has lacked a trustworthy target. His ability to stay open on time and finish tough catches will help stabilize an offense that has been explosive, but inconsistent. He is the kind of receiver who extends drives, protects the football, and sets the tone for a unit looking to correct their drop problem.
Why the Trade Makes Sense for Las Vegas
For the Raiders, this deal aligns with their long-term plan. Sitting at 2-6 and shifting toward a future built around Brock Bowers and young offensive talent, Las Vegas needed draft assets. With Meyers approaching 29 and the roster headed toward a rebuild, flipping a veteran slot receiver for two valuable picks in the 2026 draft gives them more flexibility as they continue rebuilding.
The added draft capital allows the Raiders to accelerate their restructuring process. With Bowers emerging as the focal point of the passing game and trade interest building around several veterans, this move reflects a broader strategy of stacking picks and retooling the roster around younger talent.
Moving on from the veteran receiver also allows rookies Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton to take on a larger role as the young talents progress. Las Vegas gets out ahead of the inevitable and cashes in now for a strong draft haul.
How Meyers Impacts the Jaguars
Meyers is not just a complementary addition; he is expected to be a key piece of the Jacksonville offense. His consistency in the slot fills the exact void that has held the Jaguars back from sustaining key drives. Coen’s system relies on timing, spacing, and receivers who can separate with precision. Meyers thrives in those environments. His contested catch ability, skillset to finish through contact, and knack for converting third downs should immediately take pressure off Lawrence and allow the offense to function more efficiently.
The fit is perfect. Meyers gives Jacksonville stability, red zone security, and a player who rarely loses reps due to mental mistakes or sloppy technique. With Lawrence playing some of the cleanest football of his career and commanding the offense more confidently each week, adding a receiver who maximizes his targets could significantly elevate the group.
Meyers joins a room that already has franchise pieces in place with Brian Thomas Jr. as the X receiver and Hunter as the Z receiver once healthy. Adding to them with a true possession anchor in the middle to man the Y spot gives Jacksonville one of the most promising receiver trios in the league.
Next Steps for Jacksonville
This trade clearly signals that the Jaguars are planning on competing right away. With that in mind, this may not be the final move for the Jaguars either. With 11 draft picks still available in 2026, including three third round selections, Gladstone has plenty of capital to stay aggressive. The Jaguars still have needs on the defensive line and in the secondary, and league insiders believe another deal could drop before the deadline.
READ MORE: Jaguars Trade Deadline Rumors: 8 Players the Jaguars Are Speculated to Pursue Before 4 p.m. Deadline
Gladstone has made it clear that he is willing to push the envelope to keep Jacksonville competitive in the AFC race. The Meyers trade is a statement addition. It is bold, strategic, and addresses the Jaguars’ biggest weaknesses. With the postseason in sight, Jacksonville is making its best attempt to secure itself in the hunt.