New England Patriots: A stronger Jakobi Meyers targeting a big new deal
New England Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers doesn’t have the quickness of a Julian Edelman or the shiftiness of a Wes Welker, but the former undrafted rookie free agent has showcased the savviness and hands of a reliable target within the offense.
Dependable?
With over 1500 yards receiving over the last two seasons, that would be just one of the words to describe Meyers, who has entered training camp without a contract and looking bigger.
In working his way in the offense in 2020 with Cam Newton as quarterback, Meyers emerged as the team’s top target that season, which wasn’t saying much considering the team lacked offensive weapons. A former quarterback, Meyers has not only shown off his dependable hands as a pass catcher but has thrown for a couple touchdowns making him one of those versatile players Bill Belichick loves.
Jakobi Meyers has played big as a New England Patriots top target in 2021 and 2022
But what he has also displayed is that he can be a reliable target for Mac Jones. In 2021, Meyers topped his breakout season in 2020 with 83 receptions for 866 yards and two touchdowns. Most of that production came over the middle and in situations in which the team needed to move the chains. Again, not known for his quickness, a stronger Meyers could be even more beneficial for Meyers going into 2022.
Looking bigger during OTA’s, Belichick was asked about his receiver and whether the added muscle was something the Patriots inspired in Meyers.
"“I’d have to look at the exact measurements,” Belichick said, via Patriots.com. “I think anybody that trains hard and trains at the intensity that we do through the length of our offseason programs is going to make some gains. At some point, they are probably going to peak out but he is still a young player, s o I think they are marginal. You’d have to ask him that question. I’m not really sure.”"
Well, while it was predictable as to what Belichick’s answer would be, the training and working hard is exactly what has transformed Jakobi Meyers into a top target on the team. With DeVante Parker in the mix along with Kendrick Bourne, the Patriots and Mac Jones do have a nice trio of receivers even in missing that top wide receiver the team has been without for the last couple seasons.
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But as Meyers has shown the team the production over the last two seasons, the Patriots need to show Meyers the money if they believe he is part of the answer in the offense. In signing a restricted free agent tender in the off season, the young wide receiver is currently not under contract, but hopes to be in a New England Patriots uniform for years to come.
"“Who wouldn’t, honestly?” Meyers said when asked about signing with the team long term, via the Boston Herald. “It’s a great place to be. The guys in the locker room – I’ve learned more about being a man just from them than probably my whole life. It’s just been great to be around those guys. It’s a great city to be in. I’m happy here.”"
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It’s a business however and Jakobi Meyers like most players will have to let his production do the talking when it comes to a new deal. If he is bigger and stronger and proves to be an even better target for Mac Jones, then a contract will come soon and it should.