{"id":1552096,"date":"2023-03-02T10:21:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-02T15:21:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports7.us\/?p=1552096"},"modified":"2023-03-02T10:21:02","modified_gmt":"2023-03-02T15:21:02","slug":"patriots-fans-better-prepare-say-goodbye-jakobi-meyers-once-nfl-free-agency-starts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports7.us\/news\/patriots-fans-better-prepare-say-goodbye-jakobi-meyers-once-nfl-free-agency-starts\/","title":{"rendered":"Patriots Fans Better Prepare to Say Goodbye to Jakobi Meyers Once NFL Free Agency Starts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If Bill Belichick<\/a> is still the same guy who showed Tom Brady, Richard Seymour, and Logan Mankins the door, then New England Patriots<\/a> fans should already know what\u2019s about to happen when NFL free agency<\/a> kicks off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unless the soon-to-be 71-year-old suddenly changes his views on paying market value to retain proven veterans, one of his few success stories at the wide receiver position will undoubtedly don different colors in 2023. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After all, based on both financial and football factors, Jakobi Meyers looks poised to become the latest fan favorite to leave Foxborough. And if the Patriots let another familiar face go, it will only put more heat on Belichick to fortify a talent-deficient roster before it\u2019s too late.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakobi Meyers has a prime opportunity to cash in on his early success<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Jakobi
Jakobi Meyers of the New England Patriots smiles after catching a touchdown pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during the game at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2022 | Winslow Townson\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although the Patriots whiffed badly on N\u2019Keal Harry in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, they secured a valuable asset when they signed Jakobi Meyers as an undrafted free agent. Although he joined the team with little buzz, the quarterback-turned-receiver has developed into a dependable player and respected leader in the locker room. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After being a part-time starter during his first two seasons in Foxborough, Meyers has been the top target in the passing game since 2021. With 235 receptions for 2,758 yards and eight touchdowns in 39 career starts, the sure-handed wideout has proven he can be a solid No. 2 receiver for a playoff-caliber team. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luckily for Meyers, four years of solid production has put him in a position to land a life-changing raise. After totaling just $6.4 million in earnings from 2019-22, the Georgia native could make triple that amount on an annual basis moving forward. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to ESPN\u2019s Mike Reiss<\/a>, \u201cIf Meyers ultimately lands a deal consistent with those of his ilk, he\u2019ll be earning in the range of $15 million to $20 million per season.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At that price point, though, the Patriots shouldn\u2019t be considered a viable option for a player who many view as the top available at his position heading into free agency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bill Belichick better have a plan to upgrade the wide receiver position in New England<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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