Former Patriots Playmaker Could Be Available for Reunion Ahead of Trade Deadline

Last week, the New England Patriots ushered in the Drake Maye era as he made his first NFL start against the Houston Texans. It wasn’t a perfect start from the rookie quarterback, but he brought some excitement to the Patriots fan base.

With Maye under center, Patriots fans and head coach Jerod Mayo got to see what the wide receiver unit could do. 

Second-year receiver DeMario Douglas had one of his best games as a pro with six receptions (nine targets) for 92 yards and a touchdown. In addition to Douglas, Kayshon Boutte had three receptions (three targets) for 59 yards and a touchdown.

It was a good start for the beleaguered wide receiver unit, but New England should not dismiss the idea of adding more talent by next month’s trade deadline. It would be shocking to see the Pats add players, given their record through six weeks.

However, if the Patriots decide to go that route, they could bring back a familiar face to the organization. 

In his Week 7 notebook, ESPN’s Dan Graziano (subscription required) wrote about the Las Vegas Raiders and whether they will keep selling off players after the team traded star wide receiver Davante Adams. One of the players he mentioned that could be on the move if the Raiders don’t believe they fit into their plan is former Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers.

"Teams are wondering if the Raiders will keep selling off players. And while I don't think they intend to move Crosby, as we discussed earlier, there are a few players who could be on the move in the next three weeks if Las Vegas doesn't feel they fit into its long-term plans. Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers is making a $5 million salary this year and has a non-guaranteed $10.5 million salary in 2025. He is a solid player who could help a team at a low cost. "

- ESPN's Dan Graziano

The other two players Graziano mentioned were Raiders offensive lineman Cody Whitehair and defensive tackle John Jenkins.

As for Meyers, he’s now the WR1 in Vegas with Adams off to the Big Apple. This season, the veteran wide receiver has recorded 25 receptions (36 targets) for 273 yards and a touchdown.

Could the Pats use a veteran wide receiver like Meyers to help Maye’s progression? Absolutely. 

But with New England already having vets like Kendrick Bourne and K.J. Osborn, plus several young wideouts, it doesn’t make sense for them to give up draft capital for the 27-year-old. The Pats need to keep their draft picks, not give them away.

Meyers spent the first four years of his career with the Patriots, where he scored eight touchdowns. The veteran wide receiver then signed with the Raiders in the 2023 offseason to a three-year, $33 million deal.

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