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Why Patriots’ Jakobi Meyers’s estimated contract is just right

By Jared Koch

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 24: Jakobi Meyers #16 of the New England Patriots runs upfield during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 24: Jakobi Meyers #16 of the New England Patriots runs upfield during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images) /
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This offseason, the Patriots have some big decisions to make; one of the biggest is whether or not to resign star wide receiver, Jakobi Meyers.

Completing his fourth season with the team, Jakobi Meyers will be in for a payday. Whether that be with the Patriots or another team remains to be seen.

There’s no question that the Patriots and Jakobi and the Patriots have a mutual interest. It seems as if every chance Meyers has been asked about his future with the team, he seems adamant that he wants to remain in New England.

However, based on this year’s wide receiver market and how much receivers have got paid on the open market within the past few years, the Patriots may be unwilling to match what Meyers is commanding.

There are sure to be other teams with interest in Meyers. According to PFF, Meyers is the 7th-best receiver on the market and the best receiver in this year’s free agency class as well.

Oct 9, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) reacts after scoring a touchdown against Detroit Lions during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) reacts after scoring a touchdown against Detroit Lions during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports /

That said, the demand for Meyers will be high, as well as the amount of money he’ll be getting.

The question then becomes, how much will Meyers actually be worth on the open market?

According to Pro Football Focus, Meyers will look at a potential 4-year deal worth $64 million, averaging $16 million a year. This would likely make him a fringe top-20-paid player at his position.

Is this a fair value for Meyers? The answer is: absolutely.

Jakobi Meyers has been one of, if not the best, pass-catcher for the Patriots for the past three seasons. He’s led the team in receiving yards for the past three seasons. Meyers is coming off a season with 67 receptions, 804 yards, and six touchdowns.

If the Patriots plan on letting him walk, they have very few options to turn to in terms of replacing that production.

There were zero other pass-catchers on the team last season that eclipsed over 600 receiving yards. As a team, you need to retain the best players you can in terms of offense.

While it may be just as important to upgrade the WR room as a whole, keeping on Meyers as even just a second option in the offense would be crucial to New England’s success in 2023. Mac Jones has developed undeniable chemistry with Meyers throughout the past two seasons. Therefore, it’s vital for his development to retain Meyers.

Meyers himself could benefit from that development. Entering his age-26 season, he could be entering the prime of his career. Therefore why not continue to develop with the quarterback you’ve had success catching passes from for the past two seasons?

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