The Las Vegas Raiders must address Jakobi Meyers‘ contract situation before their season opener with the New England Patriots. They may also need to discuss a different issue with Jackson Powers-Johnson. Who are the nominated leaders for this team in 2025? Raiders Daily breaks down some in-house matters surrounding the team to start game week.
Jakobi Meyers Linked to Jets in Trade Buzz
After the preseason, Jakobi Meyers requested a trade while in contract negotiations with the Raiders.
A week later, Meyers’ situation remains unresolved, leaving the door open for questions about his short-term future. Naturally, pundits wonder if another club could entice the Raiders with a firm offer.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini believes Meyers is a name to watch for the New York Jets because of his connection with Scott Turner.
“Jets passing game coordinator Scott Turner, a Raiders assistant the previous two seasons, spoke glowingly of Meyers last December: “I tell people all the time, he’s one of my favorite players that I’ve ever coached,” Cimini wrote.
From Las Vegas’ perspective, it’s a good sign that Meyers practiced with the team last week, which shows communication hasn’t broken down between the two sides. Nonetheless, the club should work something out to avoid an in-season off-field distraction.
Read: Jakobi Meyers Requests Trade: 5 Ideal Destinations for 1,000-Yard Receiver
Could Jackson Powers-Johnson’s Move to Guard Be an Issue?
Jackson Powers-Johnson hasn’t said much about his move from center to right guard.
Former Raider and team analyst Lincoln Kennedy appeared on the Locked On Raiders Squad Show podcast and shared his thoughts on Powers-Johnson’s mindset (h/t Raiders Beat).
“Is JPJ, with actually what I heard, is he in his feelings a lot of times about what’s going on? He needs to snap out of it,” Kennedy said.
“If JPJ truly is in his feelings or have some way about not being the starting center and possibly spending time at guard, he needs to get over it.”
Kennedy’s comments are based on what he heard, not a report. However, it’s worth noting that Powers-Johnson was adamant about taking over at center when Andre James suffered an injury last season. He shared the story on The Rush Podcast with Maxx Crosby.
In 2023, Powers-Johnson won the Rimington Trophy, which goes to the best center in college football. He played well at the position in several starts last year but was an afterthought for the job this offseason.
Sometimes, a player’s silence on a subject speaks volumes. Regardless of how Powers-Johnson feels about his position, he’s a starter who can provide a significant impact on offense with his pass- and run-blocking abilities.
Read: Raiders Daily: Trey Hendrickson Trade Unlikely, Jackson Powers-Johnson in Competition
Raiders Name Three Team Captains
Three captains will lead the Silver and Black in 2025. To no one’s surprise, Crosby is one of them. Two-time All-Pro punter AJ Cole got the nod. In his first year with the team, Geno Smith will take on a leadership role in the locker room.
Smith’s nomination is noteworthy because it indicates that he has quickly garnered respect among his new teammates. The 34-year-old quarterback is entering his 13th year in the league, though he’s only served as the primary starter in five seasons.
Read: Las Vegas Raiders 2025 Season Preview
Coming off three solid campaigns with the Seattle Seahawks, Smith, a two-time Pro Bowler and 2022 Comeback Player of the Year, is looking to help change the culture in Las Vegas and lead the team out of the AFC West cellar.
Maurice Moton covers the Raiders for Sportsnaut. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.
