After speculation ran rampant, the Jacksonville Jaguars made it clear that they won't be trading Brian Thomas Jr. Heck, Liam Coen is optimistic the 2024 first-round selection will turn the corner. However, the Jags still need reinforcements at wide receiver in light of the latest Travis Hunter injury update.
Hunter suffered a knee injury in practice, and the Jags made the decision to place him (and safety Eric Murray) on the Injured Reserve, meaning that the reigning Heisman Trophy winner will miss at least a month. The good news is that early testing confirms his ACL is intact. On the other hand, Jacksonville will his his playmaking skills, especially when you take into account that he was expected to take on a bigger role.
Fortunately, the perfect receiver replacement is still available ahead of the trade deadline, and Hunter's injury may prompt the Jaguars to pull the trigger.
The Jaguars will get a chance to scout Jakobi Meyers in the Raiders game
The Jaguars will face off against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 9. Coincidentally, they'll get to play a receiver they've been linked to for a while: Jakobi Meyers.
Even when Jacksonville was 4-1, it struggled with drops and didn't get great production from the receiver position. That made them a candidate to trade for reinforcements. The chatter only soared in the midst of Brian Thomas Jr.'s struggles, but faded when Coen showed a vote of confidence. However, Thomas' injury will once again make them potential buyers ahead of the November 4 deadline, and there may not be a better target than Meyers.
An undrafted free agent in 2019, Meyers signed with the New England Patriots, where he spent four seasons before he followed Josh McDaniels to the Raiders with a three-year deal in 2022. Since bolting for Las Vegas, the former North Carolina State Bulldog has amassed 187 receptions for 2,163 yards with 12 touchdowns. On top of that, he has one of the lowest drop rates among receivers dating back to 2020.
Simply, the Jaguars could benefit from Meyer's skills, especially when you consider that his ability to line up both in the boundaries and the slot would give the coaching staff plenty of flexibility.
The Jaguars need to give Raiders what it takes to trade for Jakobi Meyers
Apart from placing Travis Hunter on the Injured Reserve, they'll be without Tim Patrick for the second straight season. Injuries at receiver led them to sign Austin Tremmell to the active roster, but they'll still need a boost at the position even if Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, and Dyami Brown come through.
Jakobi Meyers has stated that he wants to be traded, and although the Raiders aren't seemingly willing to grant his request, they may just be playing hardball to make teams fork out a better offer. That said, Las Vegas shouldn't hold its hopes too high, as the seventh-year veteran is in a contract season and set to free agent in 2026. At best, they may get a third, but at fourth and a seventh might be a more reasonable price.
The Jaguars certainly have the ammo to get a deal done. They shouldn't hesitate to acquire Jakobi Meyers and bring him back to Duval once the Raiders game is over.