The Jacksonville Jaguars’ acquisition of veteran wide receiver Jakobi Meyers drew mixed reaction after the franchise sent a fourth‑ and a sixth‑round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders at the trade deadline. ESPN’s initial grading placed the deal in the “C+” range for Jacksonville, reflecting both immediate need and long‑term cost.
Meyers arrives in Jacksonville to address a depleted receiving corps that lost rookie Travis Hunter to injury and has seen inconsistent production from Brian Thomas Jr. and Dyami Brown. The team’s front office viewed Meyers as a dependable, low‑drop option who can step into high‑leverage situations and stabilize intermediate routes while the club evaluates younger targets.
Jacksonville Jaguars, Jakobi Meyers, NFL
Oct 9, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) attempts to catch the ball against Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Analysts noted that Meyers’ skill set fits Jacksonville’s scheme and that his veteran presence could help chemistry with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Sports Illustrated coverage broke down how the staff expects to integrate Meyers gradually, balancing reps in situational roles while ramping him into the offense to minimize disruption and maximize matchup value on third downs and in the red zone.
Still, the cost drew scrutiny. Trading a fourth‑ and a sixth‑round selection for a player who is set to enter free agency after the season represents a short‑term rental approach, and ESPN’s evaluation weighed that against the relative value of mid‑round draft capital. Critics argued the Jags could have pursued less expensive options or waited to target a long‑term complement in free agency, preserving picks for the 2026 draft.
Supporters countered that the Jags were in a win‑now window and that securing a reliable target outweighed the price, especially given the team’s current standing and injury issues at wide receiver. The move also signals the organization’s intent to protect offensive momentum rather than gamble on internal fixes.
ESPN’s NFL Analysis Gives Jacksonville Jaguars a C+ for Jakobi Meyers Trade
Jacksonville Jaguars, Jakobi Meyers, NFL
Oct 9, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) celebrates with tight end Michael Mayer (87) after scoring a touchdown on a 9-yard touchdown reception against the Green Bay Packers in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jacksonville’s decision to acquire Meyers wasn’t the homerun the franchise envisioned it to be. This is detailed more in an analysis by Seth Walder for ESPN.
Jaguars get: WR Jakobi Meyers
Raiders get: 2026 fourth-round pick, 2026 sixth-round pick
Jaguars’ grade: C+
Raiders’ grade: A-
But are the Jaguars in position to be acquiring talent? I think the answer to that question is a slight yes. While they are only the 19th-best team in football, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index, they have a 55% chance to make the playoffs because of their 5-3 record and due to having the ninth-easiest remaining schedule. Should the Jaguars have made this move? I’m not totally sold. The Jaguars have bet enough on their young receivers that I think they probably ought to ride it out. If Thomas can get back to form and Hunter can return to health and continue his ascent, Jacksonville’s ceiling is raised. If not, they are probably in trouble either way.
I can understand acquiring someone to bridge the gap until both are healthy, but a fourth- and a sixth-round pick is pretty pricey for a rental player — Meyers is a free agent after this season — who doesn’t necessarily raise the ceiling that much over Parker Washington and Dyami Brown (who suffered a concussion last week).
Ultimately, Jacksonville’s grade reflects a pragmatic but cautious endorsement: the trade helps now but risks future draft capital for short‑term gain. The Jags’ ability to convert Meyers’ role into wins will determine whether the pick expenditure looks prudent or premature.
Jacksonville Jaguars, Jakobi Meyers, NFL
Oct 22, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) catches a pass against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
If Meyers elevates the passing attack and the team sustain success, critics may be silenced; if not, the deadline cost will be remembered as an expensive stopgap.
Jacksonville Jaguars, Jakobi Meyers, NFL
Jan 7, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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