Raiders’ Meyers ‘for sure’ Still Wants to be Traded

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers has reaffirmed his desire to be traded from the team as the NFL’s November 4th trade deadline looms. Despite the Raiders’ struggles and his own recent injury, Meyers remains steadfast in his request, which he initially made in August after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract with the team.

"Oh, for sure," Meyers stated definitively on Tuesday. "But I’m a professional at the end of the day. I’m just trying to play good football. If I’m here, I’ll play good football. If I’m not here, I’ll go out there and play wherever I’m supposed to be."

Meyers is currently in the final year of a three-year, $33 million contract that he signed with the Raiders in 2023 after spending his first four seasons with the New England Patriots. His initial trade request stemmed from his desire for a long-term commitment and financial security, which he felt the Raiders were not offering.

While the Raiders initially denied his trade request, Meyers has not wavered in his stance. He clarified that his focus remains on playing well, regardless of where he ends up. He emphasized his professionalism and commitment to giving his best effort, whether he remains with the Raiders or is traded to another team.

Meyers further explained that he has not engaged in further discussions with the Raiders regarding a new contract since the season began. He believes that window has effectively closed for the time being. His priority is to find a situation that is beneficial for both himself and his family, whether that involves a new deal with the Raiders or a trade to a different organization.

"That window kind of just closed with the offseason in it," Meyers said. "If it gets done, I don’t care for real. I really just want to be in a good spot for me [and] my family."

He also mentioned that he has not actively pursued the topic of his trade request with the Raiders’ management recently. He believes they are aware of his feelings and sees no point in repeatedly reiterating his desire to be traded. Instead, he is concentrating on his performance and supporting his teammates during this uncertain period.

"[The Raiders] know how I feel," Meyers said. "It’s no reason for me to keep going back crying to them, ‘Can you get me out of here?’ If you move me, you move me. But in the meantime, I got some real people that I care about next to me, so I’m trying to make sure I’m being my best self for them."

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Meyers revealed that the team attempts to maintain a lighthearted atmosphere, especially when trade rumors circulate. Players often make jokes about potential trades, creating a sense of camaraderie amidst the uncertainty.

"Like, what time is your flight? It’s all fun and games," he said. "Everybody is a comedian around this thing, and I’m cool with it. I like hearing the jokes as long as guys are willing to talk about it. If they got an issue, I’ll be open with them."

Meyers’ commitment to his teammates is evident despite his desire to be traded. He missed the Raiders’ recent 31-0 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs due to a knee and toe injury sustained in Week 6 against the Tennessee Titans. He had been sidelined for two days of practice before returning to the field on Friday. Although he warmed up before the game, he ultimately decided it was best not to play.

However, he has since returned to practice and intends to be available for the Raiders’ Week 9 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at home. He expressed his frustration at being unable to contribute to the team’s efforts and his eagerness to make a positive impact on the offense.

"It wasn’t cool sitting on the bench watching guys lose like that," Meyers said. "I definitely just want to go out there, do my part [and] hopefully bring a little spark to the offense."

Throughout his career, Meyers has proven to be a reliable and productive receiver. In 97 career games (76 starts), he has recorded 422 catches for 4,921 yards and 20 touchdowns. He has consistently achieved at least 800 receiving yards in each of the past four seasons, reaching a career-high of 1,027 yards in 2024. This season, through six games, Meyers has accumulated 29 receptions for 329 yards.

Despite the Raiders’ struggles, particularly on offense, which has seen them score fewer than 10 points in three games this season, Meyers emphasizes that the team remains united and committed to improving.

"Everybody still very much care about winning. We’re out here fighting," Meyers said. "It’s a new regime. We are trying."

His statement suggests that despite the challenging circumstances and his personal desire for a trade, Meyers remains dedicated to his teammates and the Raiders organization for as long as he remains a member of the team. The coming days leading up to the trade deadline will determine whether his wish for a change of scenery is granted or if he will continue to contribute to the Raiders’ efforts in the final year of his contract. The situation highlights the complexities and uncertainties that NFL players face, balancing their personal aspirations with their professional obligations.

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