The Las Vegas Raiders have spent the first half of the 2025 NFL season evaluating what direction they’ll take under new leadership. With an offense still trying to find its rhythm and several positional battles on defense, ESPN’s recently proposed trade involving wide receiver Jakobi Meyers offers a fascinating scenario for the team’s future.
The proposed deal would send Meyers, a 2026 fourth-round pick, and cash considerations to the New York Giants in exchange for cornerback Deonte Banks and a 2026 fifth-round pick.
At first glance, this might seem like a short-term loss for Las Vegas. After all, Meyers has been one of the Raiders’ most dependable targets since joining the team in 2023. But when considering the long-term vision of the roster, positional depth, and contract implications, this trade pitch could make sense for the Silver and Black.
Why Trading Jakobi Meyers Could Benefit Las Vegas
Meyers’ tenure with the Raiders has been somewhat uneven in 2025. After opening the season with a 97-yard performance in the win over the New England Patriots, the 28-year-old has averaged just 46.4 yards per game since.
Once viewed as an ideal complement to Davante Adams, Meyers’ role has diminished amid inconsistent quarterback play and a Raiders offense that remains in transition.
More importantly, Meyers is in the final year of his three-year, $33 million deal, and he requested a trade during training camp. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Raiders are open to trading Meyers but “are not actively trying to move him.”
The front office seems content to ride out the season before making a final decision, but if a reasonable offer comes in, Las Vegas would be inclined to listen.
A Chance to Strengthen the Secondary with Deonte Banks
GettyOmarion Hampton #8 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs the ball against Deonte Banks #2 of the New York Giants.
In return, the Raiders would acquire Banks, the former first-round pick of the Giants back in 2023. He entered the league with tremendous upside, standing at 6’2″ with elite athletic traits, but his time in New York has been rocky.
However, the Raiders could view Banks as a low-risk, high-reward project. The Raiders’ cornerback group has struggled this season. With Eric Stokes on a one-year deal and Kyu Blu Kelly allowing a 122.5 passer rating in coverage (not good!), adding Banks could infuse the secondary with youth, size, and potential.
The Raiders won’t have to give big money to Meyers, and Banks is under contract for three more years at an affordable $3.9 million, guaranteeing Las Vegas cost-controlled depth at an important position.
Nonetheless, trading Meyers away won’t be an easy decision for the Raiders, especially with how reliable he’s been in the past. Yet given his contract situation and prior trade request, moving him for a young defensive asset like Banks could be a risk the team is willing to take.
The proposed deal is not a blockbuster-type trade, but for Las Vegas, it could be a strategic step toward investing in the future.
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