Lateral Move? Patriots Jakobi Meyers Joining Raiders After Crazy 2022 Play

As expected, Pats' leading receiver Jakobi Meyers is leaving in free agency. Surprisingly, it's to join a team of former New Englanders in Las Vegas.

Obviously the Patriots' "Lunatic Lateral" didn't leave as bad of an impression in Las Vegas as it did in New England.

Because the signature author of that game-losing play - Jakobi Meyers - is now a member of the Raiders. It was Meyers, remember, that tossed the fateful lateral toward quarterback Mac Jones that was intercepted by Chandler Jones and returned for a touchdown on the final play of New England's 30-24 loss last December.

The Pats finished 8-9, one game out of the playoffs.

Because the Raiders took into account Meyers' body of work - instead of one bone-headed play - he is now a member of what is quickly becoming a parallel universe, one in which Patriots stars of the past are combining forces to play for a new team in the present.

Josh McDaniels. Jimmy Garoppolo. And now ... Meyers.

The Raiders continued building their "Patriots West" roster Tuesday morning, signing former Patriots leading receiver to a three-year, $33 million contract including a whopping $21 million in guaranteed money.

"It's hard to turn down Las Vegas," Meyers told CBS. "When you look at their offense, when you look at the coaches. They wanted me. I wanted them. Unfortunately it didn't work out with the Patriots. I put a lot of effort in my time there. I appreciate them."

The move comes on the heels of the Raiders Monday signing former New England quarterback Garoppolo. And, of course, Raiders head coach McDaniels was the long-time offensive coordinator alongside Bill Belichick and Tom Brady in Foxboro.

The surreal scene: In Las Vegas next season McDaniels will call plays for Garoppolo to throw passes to Meyers.

While the departure of Meyers isn't unexpected, it does leave New England scrambling for a No. 1 receiver for quarterback Mac Jones. Even with Meyers' production, the Pats' offense in 2022 scored 17 fewer touchdowns than in 2021.

Meyers led the team in receiving yards and touchdowns and was second behind running back Rhamondre Stevenson in catches. Nelson Agholor, who was fifth in catches and yards, is also a free agent.

The Patriots have been linked to receivers DeAndre Hopkins, Keenan Allen and Odell Beckham Jr. They also own the 14th overall pick in April's NFL Draft.

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