There isn't much concern about whether and how recently traded wide receiver Jakobi Meyers can help the Jacksonville Jaguars in the immediate future. However, it remains to be seen how he fits into the puzzle long term -- or so it seemed.
Jacksonville acquiring Meyers on an expiring contract has rightfully sparked questions about his standing with the franchise beyond the 2025 NFL campaign. The club has invested heavily in players at his position between second-year standout Brian Thomas Jr. and this year's No. 2 overall pick, Travis Hunter. Yet, recent reporting suggests that Jaguars general manager James Gladstone envisions the dynamic trio coexisting in the long run.
New Jaguars WR Jakobi Meyers seems primed to stay in Jacksonville beyond 2025
Ryan O'Halloran of The Florida Times-Union expressed belief that Meyers "is not just a rental" for the Jaguars. The columnist pointed to the draft capital Jacksonville gave up to facilitate the trade as a clear indicator of Gladstone's forward-thinking mindset in this swap.
O'Halloran anticipates Meyers and the Jags eventually reaching an agreement on an extension. But perhaps most notably, Jacksonville figures to prevent the ex-Las Vegas Raiders pass-catcher from reaching unrestricted free agency this offseason, as he’s currently slated for.
"[The Jaguars] feel like they're going to keep Jakobi Meyers here after this season and probably not even let him hit the market," O'Halloran said (h/t the team's flagship radio station, 1010 XL).
Moreover, O'Halloran was one of three local Jacksonville correspondents in attendance for a meeting with Gladstone ($) the day after landing Meyers. The Jaguars' top decision-maker left the door open for this fresh partnership to last more than the nine games remaining on their schedule this year.
"That's within the realm of possibilities," Gladstone stated regarding a potential payday for Meyers. "It's not something we'll say is [definitive] at this point. We're looking forward to seeing how his skill set fits within the system, which I think, from afar, it does."
It sounds like Meyers will have an opportunity to play himself into Jacksonville's plans moving forward. Thomas and Hunter's health (or lack thereof), his pre-established connection with Jaguars receivers coach Edgar Bennett gives him a chance to hit the ground running. On top of that, Dyami Brown's recent struggles could create additional targets.
And in Week 10, Jakobi Meyers will have a great opportunity to show he deserves to be part of the team's long-term plans when the Jaguars take on the rival HoustonTexans.