It’s not looking good between Jakobi Meyers and the Patriots
As the official start of free agency nears, Jakobi Meyers’ status to remain with the Patriots has begun to gain some steam.
Besides being the presumed best available receiver of the free agent class this year, Meyers is also the Patriots’ most productive asset to hit the market. He quickly became a mainstay in the offense over the last few seasons and, although not the traditional WR1 on most teams, became just that since Mac Jones took over the offense in 2021.
After developing a close relationship and trust with Cam Newton during the unprecedented 2020 season, Meyers morphed into any Patriots’ quarterback’s go-to guy. Throughout the last three seasons, he’s totaled 209 receptions for 2,399 yards and eight touchdowns while also completing four passes totaling 88 yards and two touchdowns.
Because the receiving corps has been a consistent issue since the retirements of Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman, Meyers’ presence on the team has become invaluable. Now that he’s set to hit free agency for the first time in his career there’s a lot of hope, from fans and even Meyers himself, to see the young receiver return this upcoming season.
But the issue that’s come into play over the last week has been his rising price tag.
Since he is primed to be the most desirable free-agent receiver, several teams will likely express their interest in signing him. Additionally, the current market for receivers set by recent free agent signings, particularly Christian Kirk’s, works against Bill Belichick’s usual way of signing free agents or retaining players, lessening the chances of Meyers returning to New England.
NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry recently reported that Meyers “could end up in the $12 million-per-year range and top out at about $15 million per season,” far more than the $3.9 million he made last season.
Additionally, Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus projected that Meyers could secure even more than that. In his report, Spielberger cites a four-year, $64 million contract with $40 million in guarantees for Meyers, earning him closer to $16 million per season.
Because of his prominent role with the offense during his time in New England, it’s difficult to imagine Belichick letting a player like Meyers walk. But knowing his history of low-balling new contracts and letting good players walk, it wouldn’t be shocking to see that same situation happen again this year.
Despite the unfavorable salary projection reports throughout the week, some good news was revealed regarding the key free agent.
On Sunday, ESPNs Dan Graziano reported that Meyers and New England have been discussing a new deal recently but are said not to have made much progress in getting it done.
"“The Patriots’ Jakobi Meyers could end up getting the biggest contract among a very thin group of free agent wide receivers. 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.”"
It was also revealed over the weekend that Meyers is likely not interested in a team-friendly deal, according to MassLive’s Mark Daniels, meaning the Patriots will be forced to pay up if they hope to bring Meyers back.
My understanding with Jakobi is that it was always doubtful he would return on a ‘team friendly deal.’ He wants to return, but the Patriots will have to pay for it https://t.co/H27BUehvwJ
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) March 5, 2023
With a forceful push from team owner Robert Kraft and influence from new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, Belichick may surprise us all with an unforeseen free agency this year. He has made some surprising moves in the last month and has taken steps in recent years to change some of his long-used philosophies, so signing Meyers could fall under that new mindset.
However, this year, adding to the receiving corps remains a priority and could trickle into the draft next month. Because they’re still hoping to sign a WR1, spending big money on Meyers may not be the way to do so.
On the other hand, allowing Meyers to test free agency to get a feel for what teams are offering would play into what Belichick has done in the past. He may want to see what teams are willing to pay and determine what to do based on that information.