If there was ever doubt that the New England Patriots needed help at receiver, that has been immediately wiped away now that Jakobi Meyers is no longer a Patriot.
The former undrafted rookie out of NC State worked his way up to being the Patriots’ leading receiver, but on Tuesday, it was reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport that he has agreed to a three-year, $33 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders.
According to Rapoport, the deal comes with $21 million guaranteed. It also reunites Meyers with Patriots former longtime offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who likely had some input in the trade getting done. There’s some strong familiarity there.
Sources: The #Raiders are signing #Patriots FA WR Jakobi Meyers to a 3-year deal with $33M with $21M guaranteed. Another NE-Las Vegas tie-in, and a weapon for Jimmy Garoppolo. The deal was negotiated by Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey. pic.twitter.com/tOUDNVrDUF
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2023
Meyers is coming off a 2022 season where he hauled in 67 receptions for 804 yards and six touchdowns. The stats might not jump off the paper, but considering the offensive crisis the Patriots were dealing with throughout the season, it was actually an incredibly consistent showing from Meyers.
His exit leaves the Patriots with DeVante Parker, Tyquan Thornton and Kendrick Bourne as their primary receivers. The unit now needs help in a big way.
