The Las Vegas Raiders have made yet another bold move in free agency by signing former New England wide receiver Jakobi Meyers to a three year, $33 million deal.
Patriots Lose Key Offensive Weapon as Jakobi Meyers Signs with Raiders
The signing, which includes $21 million guaranteed, was reported by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport on Tuesday, citing a source. This move follows the Raiders' signing of former Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo on Monday.
Meyers, who never played with Garoppolo in New England, has been one of the more productive slot receivers in the league. He established career highs in receptions (83) and receiving yards (833) in 2021, and touchdowns (six) in 2022. The undrafted receiver settled in with the Patriots, where Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler was in the front office, and developed himself into a dependable target.
The move to sign Meyers raises questions over the Raiders' plans for their wide receiver corps. With Davante Adams expected to start at one of the outside spots, Meyers figures to be used frequently in the slot. This has led to questions about Hunter Renfrow's role, as he has predominantly been a slot receiver for the Raiders. There is also the question of whether Meyers' signing will prevent Mack Hollins, who was solid down the stretch, from returning to Las Vegas.
The Raiders have a history of signing former Patriots players coached by Josh McDaniels. Meyers and Garoppolo join the likes of Nate Solder, Dion Lewis, and Rex Burkhead as players who have followed McDaniels to Las Vegas. This familiarity could help the players adjust to their new team and system quickly.
In New England, the Patriots are losing their leading receiver from each of the past three seasons. Meyers' departure leaves the Patriots with several options at the wide receiver position, including DeVante Parker, Tyquan Thornton, Kendrick Bourne, Lynn Bowden Jr., and Tre Nixon. Nelson Agholor is also a free agent, leaving the Patriots with some uncertainty at the position.
Conclusion:
Overall, the signing of Meyers is another bold move by the Raiders in free agency. With a new quarterback in Garoppolo and a dependable target in Meyers, the Raiders are hoping to make a push in the AFC West. The move also leaves the Patriots with some uncertainty at the wide receiver position, but Bill Belichick has shown time and time again that he is capable of rebuilding his team quickly. It remains to be seen how this move will impact both teams in the long run, but for now, the Raiders have added another talented piece to their offense.
Keypoints:
1. The Las Vegas Raiders have signed former New England wide receiver Jakobi Meyers to a three-year, $33 million deal that includes $21 million guaranteed
2. Meyers is a productive slot receiver who established career highs in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns in the past two seasons
3. The move raises questions about the Raiders' plans for their wide receiver corps, as Davante Adams is expected to start at one of the outside spots
4. Meyers is the latest former Patriots player coached by Josh McDaniels to join the Raiders, following the signing of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo
5. Meyers' departure leaves the Patriots with several options at the wide receiver position, including DeVante Parker, Tyquan Thornton, Kendrick Bourne, Lynn Bowden Jr., and Tre Nixon, but also creates uncertainty at the position
6. The move is another bold move by the Raiders in free agency as they aim to make a push in the AFC West
