Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers Requests Trade Amid Contract Stalemate

Jakobi Meyers, the Las Vegas Raiders' top wide receiver, has requested a trade after failing to reach a new contract agreement ahead of the 2025 NFL season, surprising fans and complicating the Raiders' receiving corps plans. Despite Meyers' strong performance, including over 1,000 receiving yards in 2024, the Raiders have been hesitant to meet his contract demands, ranking his salary outside the top 30 at his position. The Raiders appear unwilling to trade Meyers due to a lack of wide receiver depth, relying on rookie receivers Dont'e Thornton Jr. and Jack Bech, who have shown promise but are not yet ready to fully replace Meyers' production. The situation was further complicated by the Raiders signing veteran wide receiver Amari Cooper, a move that may signal the team's doubts about securing Meyers long-term and could have influenced Meyers' trade request. While Meyers remains a key leader for the young receiving group and a primary target for quarterback Geno Smith, his uncertain contract status and trade demand cast doubt on the Raiders' immediate offensive prospects in a competitive AFC West division. The Raiders are reportedly considering allowing the contract situation to play out over the first few games of the season, with the hope of retaining Meyers beyond 2025.