The Las Vegas Raiders are entering a new era for the team. Pete Caroll is in his first year as the head coach, while quarterback Geno Smith will also be entering his first season.
While there is optimism that the Raiders could compete for the playoffs, one of Smith's top targets, Jakobi Meyers is in the middle of a contract dispute. Last week, he made news when he requested a trade, but the team said that wasn't going to happen.
He is looking for a long-term contract, as he is in the final year of a 3-year, $33 million deal. When asked by the media about his situation, Meyers told them he didn't have an answer on the topic.
"I don't even know, to be honest," Meyers told reporters. "We gon' see. We all gon' find out together. Whatever they want to do, they want to do, but I ain't trippin'. If they don't. I'ma be good, regardless."
Meyers is coming off the best season in his NFL career, as he had 87 catches for 1,027 yards and four touchdowns in 2024. With star receiver DaVante Adams being traded last season, Meyers became the No. 1 wide receiver in Las Vegas.
After that performance last season, Meyers thought he had done enough to earn an extension.
"I feel like I earned it," Meyers said. "I was kind of hoping that it would get done. I felt like (I) proved enough that I deserve to be here. I thought they would see it that way"
Bringing in a new quarterback in Smith, the team would want one of their top targets to be on the same page and ready to go. Other than star tight end Brock Bowers, Meyers is truly needed for the Raiders to be ready to compete for the playoffs.
The Raiders will be in action in Week 1 against another new coach in Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots. Before landing in Las Vegas, Meyers spent the first four seasons of his career in New England.
This is a matchup of two last-place teams that are entering the season with hopes of making a move in their respective divisions. Meyers has come out and said that he is going to continue to play despite not having a long-term contract. However, getting their No. 1 wide receiver happy wouldn't be the worst move for the Raiders.
Deals like this have gotten signed up to the last minute, with the Dallas Cowboys being famous for signing guys like Ceedee Lamb and Dak Prescott right at the start of the season.
It wouldn't be a shock if a deal gets done sooner rather than later, and a big performance against his former team wouldn't be a bad thing for Meyers.