Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
The Las Vegas Raiders have started laying the foundation for their future under head coach Pete Carroll, and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers could be a key piece of that plan. One of the first moves was locking in star defensive end Maxx Crosby with a long-term deal. Soon after, they traded for quarterback Geno Smith and signed him to a two-year extension.
“Getting Maxx signed for a long term to show commitment to one of the great competitors in the game was one step of it,” Carroll said. “And getting Geno was a step on the other side of the ball to make it clear we’re not sitting around and waiting to see what happens and hope things will turn out.
“We’re going to be about that mentality, and that is what creating your culture is. It’s making statements of who you are on a regular basis.”
With Crosby and Smith now under contract, the question becomes: who’s next?
Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers looks like a strong candidate. The 28-year-old is coming off a career-best season and enters the final year of his three-year, $33 million deal signed in 2023. He carries a $14.98 million cap hit in 2025 but has no guaranteed money remaining.
According to a source familiar with the situation, Meyers is open to staying in Las Vegas long term.
Meyers Proved His Value in 2024
After four years in New England, Meyers signed with the Raiders and quickly became one of the team’s most dependable targets. Despite constant turnover at quarterback and changes on the coaching staff, Meyers turned in a career-best season in 2024. He hauled in 87 passes for 1,027 yards and four touchdowns, topping 100 receiving yards in three games. He was one of the most reliable targets in the league, dropping just one pass on 128 targets. His 52 first-down catches tied for 18th in the NFL.
Meyers has played through plenty of instability — catching passes from six starting quarterbacks while working under two head coaches and four offensive coordinators. With the arrival of Carroll and Geno Smith, the Raiders hope to provide the consistency he’s lacked so far.
Smith, who’s completed nearly 69% of his passes over the last three seasons, spoke highly of Meyers.
“We’re so excited about getting the chance to work together,” Smith said on Monday. “I followed him from New England to here and always thought he was a really good receiver.”
What the Front Office Is Saying
General manager John Spytek addressed players like Meyers and left tackle Kolton Miller — both of whom are entering contract years without guaranteed money.
“You see it every year. Guys get to the end of their deal and it gets more expensive,” Spytek said. “Guys that you want to do a deal [with], and it makes sense, then you do it.”
Spytek said decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. While extensions are an option, sometimes letting players test free agency helps determine their true market value. For now, Spytek is still learning the roster.
“I’m big into knowing the person before throwing out huge contracts,” he said. “It will take some time, but I’m looking forward to getting to know all the guys on the roster and figure out the right way to build it.”
What Comes Next?
Meyers may get the chance to prove he can be a No. 1 wideout, especially with Smith at quarterback. Outside of Meyers and second-year receiver Tre Tucker, no other Raiders wideout had more than 100 receiving yards in 2024.
Las Vegas also has tight end Brock Bowers, who led all tight ends with 1,194 receiving yards as a rookie. Still, the team is expected to look at free agents and this year’s draft to add more receiving talent.
Spytek, who worked with the Buccaneers before joining the Raiders, pointed to his past experience with finding playmakers.
“One of the things we got really good at in Tampa [Bay] was finding receivers all over the place,” Spytek said. The former Buccaneers assistant general manager. “We want to have an explosive playmaker out there, and if we can find one, we’ll do it.”
For now, Jakobi Meyers looks like the next piece worth locking in.
Related Content: Top 20 NFL Draft Prospects: Mike Green
This report used information from ESPN.
