Jakobi Meyers has officially left the Las Vegas Raiders, traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars last week in exchange for two picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. His departure marks a significant loss for the Raiders, as he was their standout wide receiver. This raises concerns about who will be able to step up in his absence.
In their recent matchup against the Denver Broncos, the Raiders struggled to find their offensive rhythm, resulting in a narrow 10-7 defeat. This performance highlights not only the team’s ongoing challenges but also the need for someone to emerge as a reliable target.
One potential beacon of hope for the Raiders is Tyler Lockett, who joined the team two weeks ago after being released from the Tennessee Titans. Lockett, a seasoned veteran with 11 years in the league, has rekindled his connection with former coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith from their days together in Seattle.
While Lockett’s five receptions for 44 yards in the loss to the Broncos may not seem extravagant, it represents a significant improvement for the 33-year-old. This was his best performance in over a year, eclipsing his previous season-highs of four catches and 37 yards, achieved during his time in Tennessee. The last time he exceeded 44 receiving yards was in November of the previous season, while his last game with at least six catches occurred in the season opener last year.
Geno Smith expressed confidence in Lockett’s ability to deliver when it matters. “He’s always going to make the play when the play needs to be made. That’s Tyler Lockett,” Smith said, praising Lockett’s football IQ and awareness on the field. He emphasized the importance of spreading the ball around, but sees Lockett as a pivotal asset to the Raiders’ offense as they move forward in the season.
Although Lockett may be in the twilight of his career, he stands out as a crucial veteran presence among the Raiders’ receiving corps. His experience and understanding of the game will be vital for developing the younger receivers on the team. Smith noted that Lockett’s ability to read defenses and catch the ball effectively is what makes him such an asset.
For the Raiders to compete effectively this season, Lockett will need to step up and provide the consistent performance that Jakobi Meyers once delivered. As the team prepares for their upcoming game against the struggling Dallas Cowboys, ranked 31st in defense, the focus will be on maximizing Lockett’s experience to revitalize their offense.