After Career Year, Former Wolfpack Receiver Requests Trade

Former NC State receiver could see new NFL team soon

NC State wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (11) nearly catches ball near Clemson defensive back K'Von Wallace (12) during the first quarter in Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 20, 2018. Clemson Nc State 1st Quarter | Ken Ruinard / staff

Former Wolfpack receiver Jakobi Meyers made headlines on Monday afternoon by requesting a trade from his current team, the Las Vegas Raiders. Meyers approached the Raiders, trying to discuss a contract extension, but the two sides couldn’t agree, and now Meyers wants out. But the Raiders denied his request. 

Nov 3, 2018; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (11) runs after a catch during the first half against the Florida State Seminoles at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images | Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

2024 Season for Meyers

Meyers is coming off his best season in the NFL. He caught 87 passes for 1,027 yards and four touchdowns with no drops. 

He was the main staple of the Raiders receiving core after Davante Adams requested a trade four games into the 2024 season. Days later, Adams was a New York Jet, and it was the Meyers show in Vegas. He didn’t disappoint, even with the disappointing quarterback play the team had a season ago. 

Receiver Market Changing

With new receiver contracts hitting the market, like Ja'Marr Chase and D.K. Metcalf, both got over $150 million in their respective agreements. Meyers felt like it was his turn; he’s only slated to get a base salary of $10.5 million in 2025. For reference, his annual contract value of $11 million is tied with Allen Lazard, which is 32nd among receivers. 

Nov 7, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) reacts following his fourth quarter touchdown catch against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images | Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

New Blood in Vegas Room

The Raiders in the 2025 NFL draft took TCU’s Jack Bech in the second round, who specializes in the slot, like Meyers. Las Vegas has a replacement option if the two sides can’t work out an extension. The big question is if Bech will be ready to take the step up into a starting role. 

“Young but definitely mature guys,” Meyers said of younger receivers in the room. “Those are two [Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr.] guys who really know the game of football, understand how it works and they tough, too. Quietly tough. So I think they’re perfect for the room as far as just the mentality we want to have on the field.” 

#Raiders GM John Spytek calls Jakobi Meyers ‘a consummate professional’ as the WR is still practicing after reportedly having a trade request denied amid ongoing contract negotiations.

“I think he really values being a Raider, he has a lot of respect for this game, and I think… pic.twitter.com/XEysehXArb

— Nick Walters (@nickwalt) August 27, 2025

Meyers played for the Wolfpack from 2016 to 18. In those years, he accumulated 1,932 yards receiving, 168 receptions and nine touchdowns. With those numbers, he decided to enter the 2019 NFL draft, but went undrafted. 

He later signed with the New England Patriots, and in his time there, he put up over 2,700 yards and was regarded as one of the more underrated receivers in the league. He proved it again with an efficient 1,000-yard season in 2024. The expectation was for him to take a step up with the Raiders upgrading their quarterback play with Geno Smith, but now changes may be incoming. 

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