Quick Read
- Adam Schefter revealed the Pittsburgh Steelers tried to acquire WR Jakobi Meyers before the trade deadline, but lost out to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
- The Jaguars traded fourth- and sixth-round picks to the Raiders for Meyers, who is in the final year of a $33 million contract.
- Multiple teams, including the Buffalo Bills, were interested in Meyers as he requested a trade due to stalled contract talks.
- Meyers joins a depleted Jaguars receiver group after Travis Hunter’s injury, aiming to become their top wideout.
- The Steelers may now pursue other WR targets like Rashid Shaheed or Jaylen Waddle before the deadline.
Steelers Face Setback as Jaguars Win Meyers Sweepstakes
Adam Schefter, the veteran ESPN insider, pulled back the curtain on one of the NFL trade deadline’s most talked-about stories: the Pittsburgh Steelers’ failed bid for wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. With the Steelers leading the AFC North and eyeing a playoff berth, fans and analysts alike were hungry for a move that could elevate their offense. Yet, the deal that seemed within reach slipped away, landing Meyers in Jacksonville instead.
According to Schefter’s report on the Pat McAfee Show and further corroborated by multiple outlets including ESPN, the Steelers were one of several teams vying for Meyers. The Las Vegas Raiders, who signed Meyers to a three-year, $33 million contract in 2023, had opened the door for trade talks as negotiations over a contract extension stalled. Meyers himself had requested a trade, seeking a fresh start after the Raiders rebuffed his initial request in August.
The Jacksonville Jaguars, dealing with a depleted receiver corps due to injuries to Travis Hunter, Brian Thomas Jr., and Dyami Brown, saw a rare chance to acquire a proven playmaker. The team moved quickly, offering fourth- and sixth-round picks in the 2026 draft, and ultimately secured Meyers before the Tuesday deadline.
Trade Deadline Drama: Why the Steelers Came Up Short
Schefter revealed that Pittsburgh’s interest was genuine and intense. The franchise saw Meyers as a potential solution for their offense, which, despite a strong record, has faced criticism for its lack of explosiveness. The Steelers reportedly called the Raiders over the weekend, but Jacksonville’s urgency—and willingness to pay the price—proved decisive.
The Raiders, under the new leadership of Pete Carroll and John Spytek, were in sell mode. Sitting last in the AFC West, they opted to cash in on Meyers rather than risk losing him in free agency. With Meyers set to become a free agent after the season and no guaranteed money left on his contract, the timing was right for Las Vegas to move on.
For Pittsburgh, the loss was more than a missed transaction—it was a blow to their ambitions. Meyers, a reliable route runner and durable receiver, could have provided quarterback Aaron Rodgers with much-needed options. In 2025, Meyers will earn a base salary of $5.25 million and carry a cap hit of just over $5.3 million, making him an affordable yet impactful addition.
Inside Meyers’ Journey: From Patriots to Jaguars
Jakobi Meyers’ path to Jacksonville is a testament to persistence and adaptability. Undrafted out of NC State in 2019, he fought his way into a starting role with the New England Patriots, catching 235 passes for 2,758 yards and eight touchdowns across four seasons. His tenure with the Raiders has been marked by both productivity and instability—he’s played with nine starting quarterbacks in seven seasons, including five in just two years in Las Vegas.
Despite these challenges, Meyers has put up consistent numbers: 422 catches for 4,921 yards and 20 touchdowns in 97 games. He’s recorded at least 800 receiving yards in each of the past four years. Last season, he posted a career-best 1,027 yards and four touchdowns. Although his 2025 campaign began slowly—33 catches for 352 yards without a touchdown—his reputation for sure hands (just 11 drops in his career) and versatility made him a sought-after commodity.
The Jaguars, who lead the NFL in drops this season, desperately needed stability in their receiver room. Meyers’ arrival fills a gap left by the injured Travis Hunter and provides quarterback Geno Smith with a reliable target. Meyers, who turns 29 on November 9, may soon become Jacksonville’s number one wideout.
What’s Next for Pittsburgh? Exploring Plan B
With Meyers off the table, the Steelers are forced to pivot. Schefter notes that other names have surfaced as potential trade targets. Rashid Shaheed from the New Orleans Saints is one option, known for his ability to stretch defenses and create space. Jaylen Waddle of the Miami Dolphins is another possibility, though rumors suggest he may be headed to Denver after the Dolphins’ recent loss.
As the deadline ticks down, Pittsburgh’s front office faces pressure to make a move that reassures fans and supports their playoff ambitions. The team’s willingness to engage in trade talks shows they recognize the need for offensive upgrades, but their next steps will require both creativity and conviction.
Adam Schefter: The Insider’s Role in NFL Storytelling
Adam Schefter’s reporting is more than just breaking news—it’s about connecting the dots between front office decisions, player ambitions, and the unpredictable dynamics of the NFL. His disclosures on the Meyers trade not only highlighted the Steelers’ disappointment but also illuminated how quickly fortunes can change at the deadline. Schefter’s ability to synthesize information from multiple sources—front office leaks, player interviews, and league contacts—provides fans with a nuanced understanding of the league’s inner workings.
In this instance, Schefter’s insights helped clarify why the Jaguars won the race for Meyers, why the Raiders chose this moment to sell, and why the Steelers must regroup. For teams, fans, and players alike, the NFL trade deadline is a moment of hope, uncertainty, and sometimes heartbreak.
The Steelers’ inability to secure Jakobi Meyers despite their proactive approach underscores how timing, negotiation, and team needs converge to shape NFL outcomes. Adam Schefter’s reporting not only brought transparency to the high-stakes process but also reminded us that, in the NFL, even the best-laid plans can be upended by a single decisive move.