Jakobi Meyers has made a notable difference for the Jacksonville Jaguars since being traded during the 2025 season, quickly enhancing their offensive capability. The Pittsburgh Steelers had shown interest in acquiring Meyers amid their ongoing wide receiver struggles, but Meyers ultimately joined the Jaguars in exchange for fourth- and sixth-round draft picks.
Jaguars head coach Liam Coen highlighted Meyers’ immediate effect, stating the team looked significantly improved from their very first practice with him on the roster.
Boost to the Passing Game Transforms Team Dynamics
Coen emphasized how Meyers’ presence allowed other key players like Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, and Brenton Strange to perform at their best, saying,
“Jakobi Meyers comes, our first practice with Jakobi, we were a better team.”
He also noted that quarterback Trevor Lawrence developed greater trust in his new receiver, changing the entire dynamic of the Jaguars’ passing offense.
This boost was both on and off the stat sheet, as the Jaguars lost just one regular-season game after Meyers’ arrival, despite Meyers only playing nine games himself and recording 42 receptions for 483 yards and three touchdowns.
Missed Opportunity for Steelers Amid Receiver Challenges
The Steelers’ ongoing difficulties in wide receiver depth became more apparent through Meyers’ success with Jacksonville. While DK Metcalf remained a solid number one option, the absence of effective supporting receivers was painfully clear, especially during Metcalf’s suspension for the season’s final two games. Pittsburgh had multiple draft picks and had made several offseason trades aimed at contending for a Super Bowl, yet they declined to trade for Meyers, who was available for a reasonable price.
With Meyers signing a contract extension with the Jaguars before the season concluded, the Steelers lost the chance to pursue him in free agency. Analysts and fans now question how much better Pittsburgh might have been with Meyers’ veteran presence, speculating it could have influenced their playoff prospects.
Urgency Grows for Steelers to Address Receiver Depth
Looking ahead, the Steelers are under pressure to improve their wide receiver corps, especially as Calvin Austin III faces free agency. The team can no longer afford to delay addressing this weakness, given how crucial reliable receivers are to a competitive offense. Meyers’ example underscores the impactful role a skilled receiver can fill, both for individual performance and overall team success.
"Our first practice with Jakobi Meyers we were a better football team..
It changed everything" ~ @LiamCoen #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/PmyxQnhR0X
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 5, 2026
