Patriots, Jakobi Meyers Contract Update: Foxboro or Free Agency?

Have contract negotiations between the New England Patriots and receiver Jakobi Meyers passed the ‘point of no return?’

The New England Patriots and their top wide receiver appear to be heading in separate directions. 

Per a Sunday morning report from ESPN, the Pats and Jakobi Meyers — arguably their highest-priority internal free agent — have struggled to agree on price for his services. As such, the prospect of both sides reaching a deal prior to the start of the NFL year on March 15 seems dubious, at best. 

“The Patriots’ Jakobi Meyers could end up getting the biggest contract among a very thin group of free agent wide receivers,” wrote ESPN’s Dan Graziano. “He has talked to the Patriots about a new deal, but they haven’t made very much progress, and it sounds like Meyers will hit the market when it officially opens March 15.”

Meyers originally signed with the Patriots as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2019 out of North Carolina State. He quickly became a valuable asset to the Patriots offense, due to his durability and sure hands. Since joining the Pats, he has compiled more receptions and receiving yards than any other member of the team. His 235 career receptions currently ranks third among all non-drafted players in the league since 2019.

Though Meyers battled through a myriad of injuries in 2022, he started 13 of the 14 games he appeared in this season. The 26-year-old led the team and set career highs with 804 receiving yards and six touchdowns and finished second on the team with 67 receptions. 

While he may not be a prototypical ‘WR1,’ Meyers’ ability to secure the football for big yardage at the catch point makes him an invaluable addition to most any offensive scheme. 

As one of quarterback Mac Jones’ most-reliable (and thus, preferred) targets, New England will keep him top-of-mind in the coming weeks. Should he hit the open market, Meyers is likely to receive several lucrative offers — perhaps eclipsing that which the Pats are presently offering.

In select circumstances, application of the franchise tag may provide a temporary stay of execution of the relationship between the organization and the player. However, in this circumstance, it is unlikely. Tagging Meyers would cost the Patriots $19.74 million; this making him 14th highest paid wide receiver in the NFL

A franchise tag of $19.7 million, or a transition tag of $17.9 million are steep price  If the Pats can't negotiate a long-term agreement with Meyers, a tag-and-trade could be an option rather than risking losing their top receiver with no compensation.

While Meyers has previously indicated that he would warmly embrace a return to New England, the business aspect of professional football may dictate that he continue his journey elsewhere. 

Should he ultimately decide to move on, New England would face a tough task in replacing his productivity. The team has been scouting several top receiver prospects at the 2023 NFL Combine, while also being linked to trade rumors surrounding veteran standouts DeAndre Hopkins of the Arizona Cardinals and Brandin Cooks of the Houston Texans. 

As the old saying goes, there is never a dull moment in New England … and Patriots business is about to seriously pick up in the coming days. 

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