Jakobi Meyers becomes first wide receiver to sign in free agency

While positions like tackle, safety, and linebacker saw plenty of action on the first day of free agency, the wide receiver market was relatively quiet. That changed quickly on Day 2.

Early Tuesday morning, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport was the first to report that now-former Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers is signing with the Las Vegas Raiders on a three-year, $33 million contract. $21 million of that deal is guaranteed.

The deal comes as a bit of a surprise, mainly because of the money involved. Prior to free agency, Meyers’ market had been projected at $12 million to $ 15 million per year. The Raiders will end up paying him less than the low end of that projection.

“It’s hard to turn down Las Vegas,” Meyers told Josina Anderson of CBS following the report. “When you look at their offense, when you look at their coaches. They wanted me, I wanted them.”

“Unfortunately, it didn’t work out with the Patriots,” continued Meyers, who had said at the end of the 2022 season he remained open to staying in New England. “I put in a lot of effort in my time there. I appreciate them, but God works in mysterious ways. I’m blessed.”

In Las Vegas Meyers will be reunited with former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. McDaniels was the offensive coordinator for Meyers first three NFL seasons, starting when he was signed as a UDFA in 2019. He joins a pass-catching group that already includes Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow, and Darren Waller.

The Patriots originally signed Meyers as a UDFA in 2019. After playing in a reserve role his rookie year, he went on to be the Patriots’ leading receiver the next three seasons. Last year in 14 games, he caught 67 passes for 804 yards and a career-high six touchdowns.

With Meyers now out the door, the Patriots are pressed even further to make a move at wide receiver. They currently have Kendrick Bourne, DeVante Parker, Tyquan Thornton, Lynn Bowden, and Tre Nixon under contract for 2023 (Nelson Agholor is a pending free agent).

This year’s wide receiver free agency class isn’t viewed as strong, with many having Meyers as the top name. If the Patriots are going to make a splash involving a veteran player – as they reportedly want to do – a trade would make the most sense. With Meyers moving, the wide receiver market is now jumpstarted, which may open the door to those talks picking up.

To keep up-to-date with any future Patriots moves and news from around the NFL, be sure to bookmark our Free Agency Tracker.

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.