Jakobi Meyers finally got the fresh start he’d been dreaming of, but it came with an unexpected twist. Just a day after being traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the veteran receiver found out that his signature look wouldn’t be making the journey with him.

Following the trade between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Jaguars on Tuesday, Meyers won’t be wearing his beloved No. 16. That number is already taken by franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence, which means Meyers will have to settle for the No. 3 instead. For a player who has worn No. 16 throughout his entire career, this change is more than just a new jersey; it’s a sign that he’s stepping into Lawrence’s domain.

It’s a small detail, but one that highlights just how quickly Meyers must adapt to a new environment. The trade itself was a long time coming. After months of frustration in Las Vegas and limited production under Chip Kelly’s offense. Meyers finally got his wish for a move. Jacksonville sent fourth and sixth-round picks to the Raiders in exchange. They hope his precise route-running and reliability can stabilize a shaky receiving corps. The Jaguars are short-handed with rookie Travis Hunter on injured reserve and Brian Thomas Jr. battling multiple injuries.

Jakobi Meyers now joins a Jaguars team eager to get its offense back on track after weeks of inconsistency. Offensive coordinator Liam Coen and wide receivers coach Edgar Bennett, who worked with Meyers in Las Vegas, spoke heavily for the acquisition. The reunion, combined with Lawrence’s pinpoint accuracy, could help the wide receiver rediscover his rhythm.

But while his number might be different, his role won’t be. The 28-year-old is expected to operate primarily out of the slot, a spot previously occupied by Hunter. His debut could come as early as next week, and with Lawrence targeting quick, possession-style routes, Meyers’ fit feels natural.

So yes, Jakobi Meyers might lose his jersey number to Trevor Lawrence. But if this partnership clicks, it could be the best tradeoff of his career.

Jakobi Meyers trade sends clear message to Travis Hunter and Jaguars’ receiver room

The trade comes just days after Jakobi Meyers made a splash with four catches in a nail-biting 30-29 overtime game against the Jaguars. Now that he’s switched sides, his presence is sure to shake things up in Jacksonville’s locker room.

This move arrives at a crucial moment for the Jaguars, whose wide receiver lineup is looking battered and uncertain. Rookie standout Travis Hunter, the team’s No. 2 overall pick, has landed on injured reserve due to a non-contact knee injury, sidelining him for at least four games. Even before that, Hunter’s two-way experiment was showing strain. Through nine weeks, he managed 28 catches for 298 yards and one touchdown, which is promising but inconsistent.

Now, with Meyers in town, the rookie faces an uphill battle. The Jaguars’ depth chart suddenly looks stacked. With Brian Thomas Jr., Tim Patrick, Dyami Brown, and now Meyers. This group will be one of the most competitive in the AFC.

Head coach Liam Coen kept faith in his rookie, saying, “You just feel bad for the kid… minor setback for a major comeback.” Still, the NFL rarely pauses for anyone. Meyers brings a level of reliability and finesse that Hunter is still working to develop. The new WR will step into a significant role in Trevor Lawrence’s passing game.

The message is clear: the Jaguars are done waiting on potential. With Meyers joining the team, Travis Hunter’s margin for error has shrunk, and the competition among Jacksonville’s receivers has just turned into must-watch football.