In 2022, Jakobi Meyers became part of an unforgettable moment in NFL history during a game between the New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders. As Meyers navigated his challenging career, he transformed setbacks into opportunities, culminating in a surprising trade that revitalized his performance and earned him a lucrative contract. Here’s a look back at his journey and recent successes.
The Unforgettable Play
During a late-season game in 2022, the Patriots and Raiders were tied at 24 in the final moments. Opting for a conservative strategy, New England handed the ball to Rhamondre Stevenson to run out the clock. However, Stevenson was not stopped quickly and later pitched the ball to Jakobi Meyers, sparking a moment of unexpected drama.
What ensued was one of the most astonishing plays in NFL history, often dubbed “The Lunatic Lateral.” Meyers, in an attempt to keep the play alive, threw the ball across the field directly into the hands of Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones. Jones easily outran a single Patriots defender, scoring a shocking touchdown as time expired.
The bizarre conclusion of the game resulted in widespread criticism of Meyers, overshadowing the fact that he had been the Patriots’ leading receiver that season. His impressive performance earned him a three-year, $33 million contract with the Raiders in the offseason.
Revitalization with the Jaguars
In his inaugural season with the Raiders, Meyers surpassed 800 receiving yards, followed by a standout second season where he recorded 87 receptions for 1,027 yards. However, midway through the current season, the struggling Raiders traded Meyers to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for 2026 fourth and sixth-round draft picks.
The impact of Meyers’ arrival in Jacksonville has been dramatic. Prior to his signing, the Jaguars were 5-3 and ranked 23rd in the league for scoring, averaging 20.4 points per game. Since Meyers joined the team, Jacksonville has won five out of six games while elevating its scoring to an impressive 31.8 points per game—second only to the Los Angeles Rams. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has also benefitted, throwing for 14 touchdowns in six games with Meyers compared to just nine in eight games without him.
Recognizing his contributions, the Jaguars rewarded Meyers with the most lucrative deal of his career—a three-year, $60 million contract that extends through the 2028 season, featuring $40 million guaranteed.
While Meyers may continue to face jests regarding past events, his newfound success and financial stability allow him to take it all in stride.
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John is a seasoned journalist at The Bothside News, specializing in balanced reporting across news, sports, business, and lifestyle. He believes in presenting multiple perspectives to help readers form informed opinions. His work embodies the publication’s philosophy that truth emerges from examining all sides of every story.
