In a dramatic turn of events, NFL wide receiver Jakobi Meyers has transformed his career following a controversial play that was etched into football lore. After a rollercoaster stint with the New England Patriots, he has found new life with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where his performance has significantly boosted the team’s success. Here’s a closer look at Meyers’s journey from a pivotal mistake to a lucrative contract.
From Controversy to Contract
In December 2022, Jakobi Meyers became part of one of the most bewildering moments in NFL history. During a late-season clash between the New England Patriots and the Las Vegas Raiders, the score was tied at 24 with just seconds remaining in the game. With the clock ticking down, the Patriots appeared poised to run out the clock and settle for overtime.
However, Rhamondre Stevenson executed a draw play that extended longer than expected. After being brought down, he pitched the ball to Meyers, who attempted to make a play. Unfortunately for the Patriots, Meyers’s throw landed directly in the hands of Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones. Jones then sprinted down the field for an improbable touchdown, marking the sequence as “The Lunatic Lateral.”
New Beginnings in Jacksonville
Despite the backlash aimed at him following the game, Meyers emerged as the Patriots’ leading receiver that season. His strong performance led to a three-year, $33 million deal with the Raiders in the offseason. In Las Vegas, he had an impressive first season, surpassing 800 receiving yards and achieving career highs with 87 receptions and 1,027 receiving yards in the following year.
Midway through the current season, the Raiders traded Meyers to the Jacksonville Jaguars as the team struggled to find its footing in the standings. The trade yielded fourth and sixth-round picks for the Raiders in 2026.
Since Meyers joined the Jaguars, the team has seen a notable turnaround. Before his arrival, Jacksonville held a record of 5-3, ranking 23rd in the NFL in scoring, averaging 20.4 points per game. Following the trade, the Jaguars won five out of six games while elevating their scoring output to an impressive 31.8 points per game, second only to the Los Angeles Rams. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has also benefitted, throwing 14 touchdowns in the six games with Meyers compared to just nine touchdowns in eight games without him.
Due to his significant impact, Meyers secured the largest contract of his career—a three-year, $60 million extension with the Jaguars that runs through the 2028 season, which includes $40 million guaranteed.
While Meyers may still encounter jokes about his infamous play from years past, his newfound success on the field and substantial earnings make it easier to take them in stride.
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