Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers has made it unequivocally clear he still desires a trade, a request first voiced during training camp. Despite the ongoing uncertainty, Meyers maintains a staunchly professional stance, committed to playing “good football” as the team navigates a challenging 2-5 start and the looming NFL trade deadline.
The situation surrounding Las Vegas Raiders receiver Jakobi Meyers has been a persistent storyline throughout the 2025 NFL season, and as the November 4 trade deadline rapidly approaches, his position remains unchanged. Despite the Raiders’ 2-5 record and offensive struggles, Meyers continues to perform with professionalism while openly expressing his desire to be moved from the team.
In a recent media availability, Meyers was direct when asked if he still wanted to be traded. “Oh, for sure,” he stated, as reported by ESPN’s Ryan McFadden. This blunt affirmation underscores a sentiment that has reportedly simmered since training camp, stemming from a breakdown in contract negotiations. Yet, he quickly followed up with a commitment to his current role: “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. If I’m not here, I’ll go out there and play wherever I’m supposed to be.”
The Contractual Crossroads and Denied Request
Meyers, who will turn 29 on November 9, is currently in the final year of a three-year, $33 million contract he signed with the Raiders in 2023 after four seasons with the New England Patriots. Frustration over the lack of progress on a new long-term deal prompted him to inform the team in August of his request to be traded. That request, however, was denied by the organization.
Since the season began, Meyers has largely shifted his focus away from contract discussions, stating that “that window kind of just closed with the offseason in it.” His primary goal now is simply to “play good football” and contribute where his “feet are,” recognizing the business aspect of the league while prioritizing his on-field responsibilities and teammates. As he put it, “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?'”
A Season of Frustration and Offensive Woes
The backdrop to Meyers’ trade request is a challenging season for the Las Vegas Raiders. Under the new regime of head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, the team finds itself in last place in the AFC West with a 2-5 record. The offense has particularly struggled, generating a league-low 182.7 passing yards per game, ranking fourth-lowest in the NFL, and scoring an average of just 14.7 points per game, the second-lowest in the league. They’ve been held to under 10 points in three games already.
Quarterback Geno Smith, who experienced a career resurgence with the Seattle Seahawks, has found it difficult to replicate that success in Kelly’s new offensive scheme. Compounding the issue, key playmakers like running back Ashton Jeanty and rookie tight end Brock Bowers have either been inconsistent or hampered by injuries. Bowers, a first-team All-Pro as a rookie in 2024, has recently been sidelined by a knee injury, further depleting the offensive firepower.
Meyers’ own production reflects these team-wide struggles. After leading all Raiders wide receivers last season with 87 receptions and 1,027 receiving yards, along with four touchdowns, he has recorded 29 catches for 329 yards and zero touchdowns through six games in 2025. He also missed Week 7’s 31-0 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs due to knee and toe injuries sustained the previous week against the Tennessee Titans, though he expects to be available for Week 9 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Leadership Amid Uncertainty: Mentoring the Next Generation
Despite his personal contractual dispute and desire for a trade, Jakobi Meyers has been lauded for his leadership and professionalism in the locker room. Young wideouts like Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton, along with Tre Tucker, have openly praised Meyers’ mentorship.
- Jack Bech highlighted Meyers’ dedication: “He’s out here trying to get better every day… he’s helping the young guys, he’s helping me and Dont’e (Thornton) understand the game, understand the ins and outs of the league.”
- Tre Tucker emphasized the balance between business and football: “As you come along in this league, you understand that there’s business that obviously gets done… but at the same time, you just try to stay focused on what’s going on.”
Meyers’ ability to compartmentalize his personal situation from his team duties has prevented his contract dispute from becoming a locker room distraction, fostering an environment where young players feel supported and educated on navigating the complexities of the NFL.
Fan Community Perspective and Trade Deadline Implications
The Raiders’ 2-5 start has ignited considerable discussion within the fan community about the team’s direction. With a new coaching staff and several young players, many fans are contemplating whether the franchise should pivot towards a full rebuild. Trading a veteran like Jakobi Meyers, who is on an expiring contract, could yield valuable draft capital for a team looking to retool for the future.
For Meyers, a trade before November 4 could offer a fresh start with a contender, giving him an opportunity to showcase his skills in a more productive offense ahead of free agency. For the Raiders, it’s a decision balancing the value of a respected veteran leader against the potential return of future assets that could aid their long-term vision under Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly. The consensus among the team, however, remains one of unity and a shared desire to win, even as trade jokes lighten the mood in the locker room.
As the clock ticks down to the NFL trade deadline, all eyes will be on Las Vegas to see if the Raiders honor Meyers’ request, or if the professional receiver will continue to stand firm in silver and black for the remainder of the 2025 season.
