After a rough ending to the Bill Belichick era in New England, the Patriots have hired their second coach in as many seasons, with Mike Vrabel leading the way for 2025 and beyond.
As Belichick has moved from the NFL to college football as UNC's head coach, he still leaves a lasting effect on the roster construction of the Patriots. One year and two months after his departure, many Patriots on the 2025 roster were brought in under Belichick, including Christian Gonzalez, Rhamondre Stevenson, and Kyle Dugger, among others.
One decision under Belichick's rule that has come back to bite the team was failing to re-sign wide receiver Jakobi Meyers during the 2023 offseason. Instead, the Patriots decided to sign JuJu Smith-Schuster to a 3-year, $25.5 million contract that failed tremendously for both sides.
With Mike Vrabel at the helm and Josh McDaniels in command of the Patriots offense this season, a reunion with Meyers makes sense for New England as different motives present themselves.
Patriots News: Jakobi Meyers Emerging as Potential Patriots Trade Target
For one, the Patriots have more than enough money to make a trade work, as they head into free agency with the most cap space in the league. With Meyers slated to make $10.5 million this upcoming season, according to Spotrac, New England would get a receiver coming off a career-best season at age 29.
Per @PhilAPerry on @NBCSBoston's "Early Edition:" Brandon Aiyuk and Jakobi Meyers are two WRs the Patriots could target via trade.
— Nick Cattles (@NickCRadio) March 1, 2025
Meyers posted 87 receptions, 1,027 yards, and 4 touchdowns surrounded by shaky QB play in Las Vegas, whether it was Gardner Minshew, Aidan O'Connell, or Desmond Ridder in 2024. After Davante Adams was traded from the Raiders to the Jets last October, Meyers quickly emerged as the second option behind rookie sensation Brock Bowers.
Reuniting Josh McDaniels with Meyers would be another plus for the Patriots. McDaniels served as New England's OC for 3 seasons during Meyers' tenure, including 2021, when Meyers posted 83 receptions and 866 receiving yards.
Surrounding Drake Maye with a receiver who knows McDaniels' scheme would heavily benefit all parties involved. McDaniels-led offenses allowed Meyers to thrive, whether it was Tom Brady, Cam Newton, or Mac Jones throwing him the ball.
After a week of discouraging news for the Patriots that saw the Bengals franchise tagging Tee Higgins and Deebo Samuel being dealt to the Commanders, this front office needs to figure out ways to acquire talent outside of the draft in April.
As the dominoes continue to fall when it comes to the wide receiver market, a Meyers to New England trade would instantly improve the receiver room that desperately needs some work.
Hunter Henry led the Patriots in receiving yards last season with 674. Jakobi Meyers has surpassed that total in 5 of his 6 NFL seasons, and his 4 receiving touchdowns would have led the Patriots last season.
Meyers' current team, the Las Vegas Raiders, are slated to pick sixth in the draft with their quarterback position in question. Judging by last season, Meyers seems able to perform well no matter who is under center.
Acquiring Meyers via trade would help make up for a blunder in the Belichick era and would give Drake Maye a reliable option for years to come.
Not all hope would be lost if a Meyers trade isn't done this season, as he is entering the last year of his contract and could be testing the open market next offseason.