Jakobi Meyers named Raiders' most important contract decision ahead of Week 1

The Raiders have had quite the offseason. After a dismal 2024 season, the team brought in a new coaching staff and general manager, and made several notable moves via trade and free agency. 

For example, the Raiders traded for reliable veteran quarterback Geno Smith. Smith reunites with Pete Carroll, and the duo are looking to recapture the success they found in Seattle. 

Some of the other notable additions include Germaine Pratt, Elandon Roberts, and Raheem Mostert. The Raiders also had a solid draft, adding star running back Ashton Jeanty in the first round and wide receiver Jack Bech in the second. 

Even with all those moves, the Raiders still currently have the fourth-most cap space in the league. According to Over the Cap, the Raiders are predicted to have the most cap space available next offseason, so more big moves could be coming. 

Moe Moton of Bleacher Report recently identified each team's most important contract decision. For the Raiders, Moton identified Jakobi Meyers, who's current deal expires after 2025. 

Regarding Meyers and the Raiders, Moton offered the following: 

So far this offseason, the Raiders have signed five key players to extensions, including quarterback Geno Smith, whom they acquired from the Seattle Seahawks. With $37.8 million in cap space and a projected $99.2 million for 2026, Las Vegas has room to give Meyers a new deal.

Meyers is in the last year of his contract, following a season in which he recorded career highs in catches (87) and receiving yards (1,027). According to ESPN's Ryan McFadden, the seventh-year wideout is "open" to a long-term pact with the Raiders. Las Vegas has the financial means to keep him on the books beyond 2025.

As Moton mentioned, the Raiders have already signed five contributors to extensions this offseason, but Meyers was not one of them. The veteran has mentioned his willingness to return to Vegas, however, so it wouldn't be surprising if the deal gets done eventually. 

In 2024, Meyers set career highs in catches and receiving yards, with 87 for 1,027. The veteran formed a nice pass-catching duo with star tight end Brock Bowers, and the room should be even better this offseason after the additions of Bech and Dont'e Thornton Jr.

While Meyers is not an elite, No. 1 receiver, he's still an above-average pass-catcher who can help mentor this young room. Spotrac projects Meyers to land a two-year deal worth over $17 million when he fits free agency, and that would not be a prohibitive deal for the Raiders.