With injuries piling up at receiver, the Jacksonville Jaguars needed reinforcements. They couldn't have traded for a better option than Jakobi Meyers at the deadline. Sure, they had to give up fourth and sixth-round picks in return for the seventh-year veteran, but there's no doubt that he'll give their passing game a massive boost.
In fact, Meyers should help the Jags fix their troubling number of drops, as he has one of the lowest rates in the league dating back to 2020. Just one day after his acquisition, head coach Liam Coen couldn't stop heaping praise on him and his playmaking skills.
Liam Coen just praised Jakobi Meyers after the Jaguars traded for him
Liam Coen met with the local media and said that he's hyped up to have Jakobi Meyers in the fold, noting that he's followed his career closely.
"Yeah, I think, followed his career pretty closely," Coen responded when asked how Meyers can help the offense. "You know, being in the northeast, myself, the Patriots, watching those guys over the years, and then obviously moving into a couple of different roles. Former quarterback, always appreciate that, really in any skilled player. But the ability, though, strong hands has been physical as a site, as a separator in OSO situations."
Coen continued, "I've only heard great things about the pro (receivers coach) Edgar's worked with him in the past as well. So definitely excited."
Later in the exchange, Coen said that the team will try to strike a balance with Meyers, noting that they'll look for ways to get him involved.
"The challenge is the balance of how much he can handle, how quickly can he get some of the formations down, the timing, obviously, a practice, and some of just throwing on air with Trev, getting some reps that way. But it'll really come down to just, 'Alright, what are the things specific that you know you want to get him in the flow of the game?' You want to get him opportunities, but also just to go play as a Jaguar," Coen said.
"Not necessarily every time he's in, it's something that he has to go and do. You just want to make sure there's a balance there. So that'll be a process throughout this week and through each part of the plan. Okay, normal D and D, third downs, red zone. How much in those areas can you give him? And that's the balance for sure."
Given that Meyers will have just a few days to get acclimated, there's a chance he'll be on a snap count against the Houston Texans. That said, expect the coaching staff to craft a handful of plays around his skillset.
Jakobi Meyers should have an immediate impact with the Jaguars
An undrafted free agent in 2019, Jakobi Meyer signed with the New England Patriots, where he spent four seasons before signing a three-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023. The former North Carolina State Wolfpack had made it clear that he wanted an extension, but the Silver & Black didn't cave to his request. One big reason is that a past regime brought him in.
Since Meyers didn't appear to be part of the Raiders' long-term plans, trading him for future assets made sense. Now with the Jags, he'll have a chance to increase his stock for 2026, when he's slated to become a free agent.
And if Jakobi Meyers ultimately has the impact the Jaguars envisioned, who knows? Maybe he'll stick around in Jacksonville beyond 2025. His first chance to prove his worth will come against the Houston Texans.