Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers didn’t consider a holdout this offseason because he wanted to be there for his teammates. He always made it clear that he wanted to stay with the Las Vegas Raiders after getting along well with teammates like Geno Smith and the coaching staff. But as soon as he debuted with the Jacksonville Jaguars, his opinion had flipped drastically.

“When we played against y’all [Jaguars], for the Raiders, I liked how hard everybody played going against them,” Jakobi Meyers threw a subtle jab at his previous team while talking on the O-zone Podcast. “I like the details here. I like how we just sit together as an offensive unit and go through the plays that we got for the day. We talk about exactly what everybody has… what’s the purpose of everybody’s responsibilities. Like, I do really enjoy that.”

The veteran WR made it clear that he values the structure in Jacksonville. When a reporter asked about the EB (EverBank) Stadium, Meyers clearly praised the arena, which has a capacity of 67,838.

He said, “EB is a big one.”

Moreover, he appreciated how the offense in Jacksonville sits together, studies details, and walks through every assignment. As such, Jakobi Meyers made it clear that he wasn’t getting much of that with Geno Smith’s offense at Allegiant Stadium (65,000 capacity).

Jakobi Meyers had dealt with months of frustration in Las Vegas. His production dipped under quarterback Geno Smith. Meyers finished each of his last four games with Las Vegas with fewer than 40 yards. So when the Raiders finally traded him, it felt inevitable. Jacksonville sent 2026 fourth and sixth-round picks to get him. They needed him as an experienced, reliable route-runner who could stabilize an inconsistent receiving corps.

The Jaguars have been thin at wide receiver, with both Travis Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr. battling injuries. Still, Jakobi Meyers mentioned that the receivers and offensive line in Jacksonville have “special talent.” But he also noted that things haven’t gone their way. 

The Jaguars got slammed for their collapse against the Houston Texans in Week 10. They blew a 29-10 lead and lost 36-29 to Houston. It was the biggest collapse in franchise history. As such, the podcast host reminded Jakobi Meyers that veterans must push through disappointment. And the wide receiver agreed instantly. 

“Exactly, so… which is perfect for me, honestly,” said Jakobi Meyers. “Like, I am not afraid of adversity for real. So, just to go out here and try to get everybody playing their best. Try to be a good guy so everybody feels comfortable… at least around me. I’m excited about that.” 

Jakobi Meyers joined the team only days before the Texans game, but he has adapted fast. He even sacrificed his No. 16 jersey for QB Trevor Lawrence. That says a lot about the veteran’s character off the field. But then on the field, too, Meyers played 27 offensive snaps and caught three passes for 41 yards for the Jaguars in the Week 10 game. 

With more time in the system, Meyers should make a bigger impact as Jacksonville prepares to face the Los Angeles Chargers next. But now Geno Smith’s offense has to make it work without the veteran WR, and it has been tough.

How is Geno Smith’s offense holding up after Jakobi Meyers’ trade?

Jakobi Meyers gave Geno Smith a sure-handed receiver in his offense. But after the tough 30-29 loss to the Jaguars in Week 9, the Raiders decided not to keep him on the roster anymore. That loss wasn’t necessarily a Meyers’ issue, though. The Raiders’ receiving corps was already one of the weakest in the league. Losing their best wideout in Meyers only magnifies the flaws.

For now, the Raiders’ offensive coordinator Chip Kelly is scrambling to keep the offense from falling apart. And he knows someone has to step up.

“It has to be multiple guys, Jakobi was such an impact player for us,” said Chip Kelly last week. “I wish him the best. He was a great practice player, and I enjoyed coaching him. He was a heck of a kid, but we got some other receivers who are going to have to pick it up.”

So, who can step up in place of Jakobi Meyers in Las Vegas? Rookie Jack Bech is the closest stylistic match to Meyers. But he did not play a single offensive snap in Week 9 and has only seven catches for 73 yards this season. The lack of opportunities could be to blame for his performance. 

Meanwhile, tight end Brock Bowers remains the No. 1 weapon in Geno Smith’s offense. But in the Week 10 game against the Denver Broncos, Bowers caught just one pass for 31 yards as he was targeted just 3 times. So, the Raiders badly need a wide receiver to emerge. And with Jakobi Meyers gone, the pressure increases for the other side.