ESPN’s Seth Walder just dropped his re-grades for all the 2025 NFL trade deadline deals, and the Jacksonville Jaguars’ acquisition of wide receiver Jakobi Meyers saw its evaluation jump significantly, moving from an initial C+ to a strong B+. This isn’t just a bump, it is a statement on how crucial Meyers has become to a Jaguars team now recognized as one of the AFC’s best.
Meyers’ Immediate Impact and the Coen Offense Fit
When the Jaguars first traded 2026 fourth- and sixth-round picks to the Las Vegas Raiders for Meyers, the initial grade was a solid but unspectacular C+. But Walder’s re-evaluation tells a different story, one where Meyers has been a truly helpful player. Since arriving in Jacksonville, he’s put up 1.6 yards per route run, which is pretty darn good for a No. 2 receiver. His presence isn’t just benefiting himself, either. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has ranked seventh in QBR in the NFL during that same stretch. You can bet that having a reliable target like Meyers is a huge part of that success.
Meyers was a perfect fit for the Coen offense from day one. He is incredibly versatile, able to be moved around pre-snap, and he excels at attacking the middle and intermediate parts of the field. Plus, he is a willing run blocker, which is something you love to see in a receiver. This skill set doesn’t just create plenty of targets for Meyers, who has been a consistently reliable pass-catcher, it also opens up opportunities for everyone else on the field.
From ‘Rental’ to Cornerstone: The Contract and the Picks
This season, Meyers has continued to prove his worth. He has hauled in 26 of 36 passes for 374 yards and two touchdowns. Even more impressive, 22 of those 26 receptions have picked up a first down for Jacksonville. That is clutch playmaking, plain and simple. Walder admitted that he initially considered Meyers a “rental” when the trade went down. But Meyers quickly inked an in-season contract extension worth $20 million per year, proving he was here to stay.
So, while Meyers might not be seen as a “value going forward” with that price tag, his importance to a 2026 Jaguars team that is among the best in the AFC cannot be overstated. Walder’s final take: those fourth- and sixth-round picks were absolutely worth it for Jacksonville, especially when you consider the team’s significant uptick in play since Meyers joined.
What This Re-Grade Means For Both Teams
For the Raiders, the story is a bit different. Walder originally gave them an A- when they shipped Meyers out, likely thrilled with getting draft capital for a player. However, his new grade for Las Vegas is slightly lower at a B+. While still a good grade, it shows that perhaps the long-term impact of Meyers for the Jaguars slightly re-balanced the scales. For Jacksonville, though, this B+ isn’t just a number. It is a validation of their aggressive move and a clear sign that Jakobi Meyers is a pivotal piece in their quest to stay at the top of the AFC.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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