The Jacksonville Jaguars are in the middle of a five-game win streak, and currently have a one game lead over the Texans in the AFC South. And yet, the news just continues to get better for the Jaguars.
The team has re-signed wide receiver Jakobi Meyers to a three-year $60 million extension. The Jaguars acquired Meyers at the deadline, and he has been deemed ‘exceptional’ with the team. ESPN analyst Ben Solak described the signing as “Biggest no brainer in history. Offense has totally changed with him present.” The Jaguars are 5-1 since trading for Meyers.
Jakobi Meyers’ Season in Jacksonville
After arriving in Jacksonville, Meyers quickly established a good rapport with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. After three games with the Jaguars, Meyers told CBS reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala that “he could catch Trevor’s passes with his eyes closed, that they are that perfectly placed.” Since then, his connection with Lawrence has only improved. He has played over 80% of the team’s snaps in the last four games and has scored three touchdowns in that span. NFL insider Jordan Schultz described Meyers’ fit with the Jaguars as a “perfect marriage.”
He was traded to Jacksonville after requesting a trade out of Las Vegas prior to the season. At the deadline, the Jaguars gave up two draft picks in exchange for the veteran wide receiver. The Raiders were willing to give up Meyers, primarily since he was set to be a free agent after the season. After a six-game run with the team, both the Jaguars and Meyers decided they were best suited for the partnership to last more than half a season.
Meyers is in a wide receiver room that already features Pro-Bowl player Brian Thomas Jr., and second overall pick Travis Hunter. Hunter and Meyers have not yet shared the field, as the rookie receiver underwent season-ending knee surgery prior to the trade. After the extension, they will likely share the field next season, although Hunter’s future role with the team remains to be seen. Perhaps with the extension of Meyers, the team will shift Hunter’s focus on the defensive side where he can serve as the team’s primary cornerback.
Remainder of the season for Jacksonville
While this move doesn’t have a direct impact on the current Jaguars team, it does give financial security to one of their top offensive playmakers.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have missed the postseason in back-to-back seasons, but now find themselves atop the AFC South and with a 99% chance of making the playoffs according to the New York Times playoff simulator.
Next week, the Jaguars will travel to Denver to take on the Broncos, who are in the middle of an 11-game win streak. Jacksonville is 2-1 against the AFC West this season. The following week, the Jaguars will go to Indianapolis to take on the Colts, who just recently announced 44-year-old Philip Rivers as their starter for their Week 16 matchup against San Francisco. There is a chance the Jaguars face Anthony Richardson in that game as he recently returned to practice.
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