Jaguars Rescue Jakobi Meyers from Purgatory

What They're Saying

ESPN's Adam Schefter: "Multiple teams including the Steelers and Jaguars had shown interest in Meyers, who is scheduled to become a free agent after his contract expires this season."

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport: "Travis Hunter is not expected to be out long-term for the Jaguars, though he is out at least 3 more games. He'll be back to contribute in the pass game, as well."

More from Schefter: "Brian Thomas Jr. is dealing with a low-grade high ankle sprain but has a chance to play this week, per sources."

2025 Fantasy Football Impact

Giving fourth- and sixth-round picks for a disgruntled WR in the final year of his contract is a decent price, pointing to how much the Jaguars feel like they need Meyers. That's noteworthy because it seems to counter -- at least slightly -- the optimistic reports from Schefter and Rapoport on Thomas and Hunter.

We at least know the Jags will miss Hunter for the next three games, with uncertainty beyond that. Hunter has run primarily from the slot this season, a vacancy that seems to align with Meyers' usage.

The veteran has run 61% of his pass snaps from the slot this season, according to Pro Football Focus. But Meyers spent just 34% in the slot last year and 28% the year before. He's now sitting at 52% slot vs. 48% wide for his career.

Perhaps Jacksonville does view him as the immediate slot leader, but Meyers' inside-out versatility surely appeals to the team as well.

We'll need to track Thomas' status this week (and perhaps beyond) to glean hints on the team's WR-usage plan.

Meyers figures to get quickly incorporated regardless of the recovery timelines for Thomas and Dyami Brown (coming off a Week 9 concussion). But his specific usage could impact the playing time of Parker Washington, who led the Jags in targets last week and played 88% snap shares each of the past two games.

Other Winners & Losers

QB Trevor Lawrence obviously gains from the team adding a quality WR, but Meyers isn't likely to deliver a big boost to the QB's fantasy outlook.

Similarly, Meyers' departure from the Raiders shouldn't meaningfully hurt QB Geno Smith. His numbers to date have swung pretty heavily based on whether TE Brock Bowers has been in the lineup.

Meyers' departure does leave playing time available for Tyler Lockett and rookie Jack Bech, though neither looks like much of a fantasy factor for the rest of 2025. WR Tre Tucker should gain a little target stability. And TE Michael Mayer has a better shot at staying regularly involved.

Injury Impact

For more on Brian Thomas Jr.'s injury outlook, check out our latest fantasy football injury updates.