The Las Vegas Raiders managed to trade disgruntled wide receiver Jakobi Meyers prior to Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline. After essentially requesting trades on two separate occasions, Meyers was sent to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for fourth- and sixth-round picks in the 2026 NFL draft. The Raiders must use this opportunity to play rookie wideouts Dont’e Thornton Jr. and Jack Bech moving forward.
Meyers’ departure leaves the Raiders’ receiver room in flux. Superstar tight end Brock Bowers will continue to dominate targets after his unbelievable showing in Week 9. Tre Tucker is now the unquestioned No. 1 wide receiver. Tyler Lockett was recently signed to add familiarity and leadership.
It’s been an uninspiring start for both Bech and Thornton. Bech has registered seven receptions for 73 yards. Thornton has just five catches for 94 yards while hauling in 26% of the targets thrown in his direction (5-of-19). He was inactive in favor of an aging, past-his-prime Lockett in Week 9.
The Raiders drafted Bech at No. 58 overall in the second round. Starting-caliber receivers are selected in the second round every year, so the offense needs Bech to start producing. Thornton was a height-weight-speed pick in the fourth round.
Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly must embrace a youth movement on offense following the Meyers trade. Bech and Thornton should earn opportunities ahead of Lockett and Alex Bachman. It’s up to the rookies to maximize the targets thrown their way.