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Jakobi Meyers wants out, and Jabrill Peppers needs a new team — landing spots for each

Three days until pro football! With the season soon approaching, there are two notable names on the market that may find new teams as early as this week: Las Vegas Raiders receiver Jakobi Meyers and former New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers.

Meyers, who nabbed over 1,000 yards receiving last year, recently requested a trade due to not being able to come to terms on a contract with the team. Peppers, meanwhile, was surprisingly released by the Pats after dealing with injuries and legal issues last season. Peppers has started 85 games in his eight-year career.

These two talented stars should draw significant interest from several NFL teams. While there’s no certain way to determine where they’ll go, our writers have a few guesses on some potential landing spots.

Trade destinations for Jakobi Meyers

Minnesota Vikings: “The Vikings have been in the market for a player who can be a complementary wide receiver to Justin Jefferson while Jordan Addison is currently out. It’s especially important with Jalen Nailor’s injury situation currently unknown due to a mysterious hand injury.

“Meyers would fit the bill, but his current cap hit could be a hindrance to making a trade happen, along with the Vikings likely not willing to give Meyers an extension. However, he’s a good player who could do a great job to maximize the Vikings’ offense, especially with how they like to use their condensed sets.” —Tyler Forness

New England Patriots: “It’s hard to find a team that makes more sense for Jakobi Meyers than the New England Patriots. The team desperately needs a competent wide receiver, has extra picks and the salary cap space to make that happen, and Meyers has already played for the franchise and under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Right now, the projected starting wide receivers for the Patriots are Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, and Mack Hollins. Even though rookies Kyle Williams and Efton Chism might eventually develop, it’s important for New England to build a strong infrastructure around quarterback Drake Maye.

“The Patriots have extra fourth-, sixth-, and seventh-round picks in next year’s draft, and lead the NFL with $60.24 million in cap space. So executing the trade and extending Meyers wouldn’t be a problem. Moreover, the receiver is still 28, which means that giving him a mid-term extension isn’t necessarily a bad investment due to age. In this package, the Patriots send Kyle Dugger, a player they are already trying to trade anyway, and the extra fourth-rounder they got from the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2025 draft for moving down in the third round. Prediction: The Pats get Meyers and a 2026 seventh.” —Wendell Ferreira

Pittsburgh Steelers: “It’s no secret that the Steelers have been in the trade market even after the blockbuster swing that was DK Metcalf. Because weeks later, they traded away their WR No. 2 via George Pickens, and that spot has yet to be filled, no matter what the team says about how bullish they are on their current group.

“The Steelers need an easy button on offense. Someone with proven ability to separate and win over the middle of the field. That just so happens to be Meyers’ forte. A perfect Z WR with excellent blocking and route running, he is an ideal pairing alongside DK Metcalf in Arthur Smith’s offense. Now, he’s headed into the final year of his deal and wants a new contract … Seems like a no-brainer for the Steelers.” —Rob Gregson

Landing spots for Jabrill Peppers

Buffalo Bills: “General manager Brandon Beane should absolutely be picking up the phone to see what it takes to bring [Peppers] to Buffalo. If nothing else, Peppers’ addition would add some key depth in a room from a player who has experience both as a safety and on special teams … He’d be a worthy addition and a versatile player in multiple aspects of the game, which is exactly the type of player that McDermott has preached throughout the offseason. Beane should be picking up the phone and seeing what it takes to bring in Peppers.” —Adam Zientek

Miami Dolphins: “Miami can appeal to Peppers on several fronts, including the chance to play the Patriots twice, the opportunity to earn significant playing time, and a defensive system that aims to play with explosive physicality in the middle of the unit. Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver recently admitted that the idea of three safeties at once (big-nickel personnel) gets his brain ‘spinning.’

“If money isn’t an issue, which it shouldn’t be thanks to New England’s guarantees lingering for 2025, then any interest in Peppers becomes a recruitment pitch. I, for one, would like to see the Dolphins double down on their reinvigorated safety room and add another possible weapon who can still play at an impactful level.” —Kyle Crabbs

Minnesota Vikings: “Peppers has the athleticism and profile to be extremely effective in [defensive coordinator Brian] Flores’ scheme. His best ability to crash downhill will come in handy when the Vikings want to play big dime with three safeties, something [Josh] Metellus does well already.

Now, Peppers being 30 years old might be a big deal for other positions, but safety doesn’t carry the same concern. If you still have good athleticism and plus instincts, you can play the position well into your 30s without issue. Having Peppers would allow the Vikings to focus on the position that desperately needs to be addressed: cornerback.” —Tyler Forness

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