Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers has unequivocally reiterated his desire for a trade, even as he pledges professional play amidst the team’s dismal 2-5 start and ongoing offensive struggles. This deep dive explores the multifaceted reasons behind his request, the team’s predicament, and what his potential departure could mean for the future of the Silver and Black.
The situation in Las Vegas for the Raiders has reached a critical juncture, highlighted by the recent comments from their top wide receiver, Jakobi Meyers. Despite a preseason trade request being denied, Meyers has confirmed he still “for sure” wants to be moved, as reported by Field Level Media on October 21, 2025. This revelation comes as the team languishes with a 2-5 record, casting a long shadow over their 2025 season prospects.
The Persistent Trade Request and Contractual Landscape
Meyers initially approached the Raiders’ management before the season began, asking for a trade or a new contract. Both requests were rebuffed. Now, with the November 4 trade deadline fast approaching, his desire to leave remains unchanged. When asked about his future and the possibility of a trade, Meyers stated, “I got no control over that. If I’m here, I’m here.” However, his underlying wish is clear: “Oh, for sure,” he confirmed when pressed about still wanting a trade.
Currently in the final year of a three-year, $33 million contract signed in 2023, Meyers has a $10.5 million base salary in 2025. Crucially, there is no guaranteed money remaining on his deal, which can be voided after this season, according to Spotrac. He is set to become a free agent and will turn 29 on November 9, just days after the trade deadline. This contractual situation gives the Raiders a prime opportunity to acquire future assets if they decide to move on from Meyers.
A Professional’s Pledge Amidst Uncertainty
Despite his candid admission, Meyers has consistently emphasized his commitment to playing professional football wherever he is. “But I’m a professional at the end of the day. I’m just trying to play good football. If I’m here, I’ll play good football,” he stated. This professional resolve is a testament to his character, as he hasn’t let his personal desires interfere with his on-field efforts. He also noted that he hasn’t recently reiterated his trade request to the team, understanding that “They know how I feel. It’s no reason for me to keep going back crying to them, ‘Can you get me out of here?'”
Raiders’ Offensive Struggles Define the Season
The backdrop to Meyers’ trade request is a Raiders season riddled with underperformance and offensive futility. The team ranks second-to-last in the NFL, averaging a meager 14.7 points per game. The much-hyped Pete Carroll era has stumbled to a 2-5 start, with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly struggling to translate his past success into consistent scoring. Quarterback Geno Smith, after a successful stint with the Seattle Seahawks, has not found his rhythm in Kelly’s system.
Individual offensive struggles further compound the team’s woes:
- Running back Ashton Jeanty, a former Heisman Trophy runner-up, has averaged fewer than 4 yards per carry in all but two games.
- Tight end Brock Bowers, a first-team All-Pro as a rookie in 2024, has been hampered and recently sidelined by a knee injury.
These collective issues undoubtedly impact Meyers’ production and contribute to his desire for a fresh start with a more competitive offense.
Meyers’ Production: A Byproduct of Team Woes
After a career-best season in 2024, where Meyers led all Vegas wideouts with 87 receptions for 1,027 receiving yards and four touchdowns – becoming the team’s No. 1 receiver after the October 2024 trade of Davante Adams to the New York Jets – his numbers have dipped in 2025. In six games, he has logged 29 receptions for 329 receiving yards and is still searching for his first touchdown. While still tied for the team lead in receptions and second in yards, these statistics are a clear byproduct of the reeling offensive unit.
Adding to his challenges, Meyers missed the Week 7 31-0 shutout loss to the Kansas City Chiefs due to knee and toe injuries sustained the previous week against the Tennessee Titans. He expects to be available for the upcoming Week 9 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, demonstrating his dedication despite the ongoing uncertainty about his future.
The Looming Trade Deadline: Raiders as Sellers
With a 2-5 record and significant struggles on offense, the Las Vegas Raiders are widely expected to be sellers at the upcoming NFL trade deadline. Trading Jakobi Meyers would allow the team to acquire draft capital or other assets to aid in a potential rebuild. Given his established talent, professional demeanor, and expiring contract, Meyers presents a valuable trade chip for a team looking to add a reliable pass-catcher for a playoff push. For an objective look at the current NFL landscape, fans can refer to the official NFL standings.
The decision by General Manager John Spytek and Head Coach Pete Carroll regarding Meyers’ future will be a critical indicator of the team’s direction. While losing a player of his caliber might sting, gaining assets for the future could be seen as a necessary step for a franchise looking to reset. The next few weeks leading up to November 4 will be pivotal for both Jakobi Meyers and the Las Vegas Raiders.
