BREAKING: Jakobi Meyers Joins the Carolina Panthers in Major Trade
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Carolina Panthers have officially acquired wide receiver Jakobi Meyers from the Las Vegas Raiders, bolstering their receiving corps and giving rookie quarterback Bryce Young a much-needed veteran presence. The trade, which is set to reshape the Panthers' offense, marks a significant step forward in the team’s playoff aspirations.
Panthers Make a Bold Move
After a rocky start to the 2025 season, the Panthers have found themselves in the midst of a surprising resurgence. With a 3-3 record and two consecutive victories under their belt, Carolina is no longer just looking to rebuild—they’re aiming to contend. The addition of Meyers is a clear indication that the Panthers are ready to go all-in on supporting Bryce Young's development as their franchise quarterback.
Meyers, who has been with the Raiders since 2023, has shown consistent production despite a less-than-ideal quarterback situation in Las Vegas. This season alone, the 28-year-old receiver has already posted 329 receiving yards in just six games. His ability to perform year in and year out, particularly in a tough environment, made him an attractive target for the Panthers.
A Veteran Presence for Bryce Young
For Carolina, the move to acquire Meyers couldn’t have come at a better time. Rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan has been a bright spot in the offense, but the Panthers needed more consistency from their receiving group. While McMillan’s potential is undeniable, the addition of a proven veteran like Meyers will give Young a reliable target as he continues to adjust to the speed of the NFL.
CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin noted that Meyers’ experience is invaluable, providing a steady hand to complement McMillan’s explosive playmaking. “Meyers is a reliable receiver, capable of thriving in challenging situations, and his addition will take pressure off Bryce Young,”
A Strategic Fit for the Panthers’ Offense
Meyers' skill set is a perfect match for the Panthers’ needs. Known for his route-running precision and consistency, Meyers brings a dimension to the Panthers' offense that was missing—an experienced, dependable target. His addition will also help to open things up for McMillan, who can now focus on making plays downfield without having to carry the entire weight of the passing game.
The Panthers’ offense has struggled at times, but with the emergence of McMillan and the steadying influence of Meyers, the team now has a formidable duo that can threaten opposing defenses on multiple fronts.
What the Panthers Gave Up
In exchange for Meyers, the Panthers have reportedly sent a fourth-round pick to the Raiders. There was also talk of including wide receiver Xavier Legette in the package, although final terms remain undisclosed. Given that Meyers is in the final year of his contract, Carolina also holds the opportunity to negotiate a long-term deal and solidify his place in the offense for the future.
A New Chapter for Jakobi Meyers
Meyers, who has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the Raiders following failed contract negotiations, now gets the fresh start he was looking for in Carolina. With the Panthers making a push for the playoffs, Meyers will have the opportunity to contribute immediately and help turn the tide for a team on the rise.
As the Panthers move forward in their pursuit of postseason glory, the addition of Jakobi Meyers could prove to be the key to unlocking Bryce Young’s full potential. With his blend of experience, skill, and consistency, Meyers is poised to make a significant impact in the second half of the season, helping the Panthers continue their climb in the NFC standings.
What’s Next for the Panthers?
With Meyers now in the fold, the Panthers will likely shift their focus toward maximizing their new-look offense. The team will need to integrate Meyers quickly to ensure that he and Young develop chemistry, but with the season heating up, there’s no time to waste. As Carolina prepares for the upcoming stretch of games, this trade could mark the turning point in what has already been an exciting season.
Vincent Iorio placed on waivers by Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals have placed defenseman Vincent Iorio on waivers for Wednesday, October 15th.
Iorio is now available to be claimed by the other 31 teams in the league. The order in which teams have priority for claiming players is based on the inverse order of the 2024-25 NHL standings until November 1st, at which point the order will be based on the inverse of the 2025-26 standings.
Iorio had struggled to get into the lineup, as he was healthy scratched through the Capitals first four games of the season. But as a 22-year-old second-round pick in 2021 in his first season eligible for waivers, Washington didn’t want to risk losing him on the wire.
However, the Caps’ roster situation has become a bit more pressing, as Dylan McIlrath is getting closer to a return from a lower-body injury and Pierre-Luc Dubois’ recent injury requires the need for another forward on the roster, since Dubois won’t require a stint on the injured reserve list.
As a result, Iorio has been placed on waivers, with a solid chance that he will be claimed due to his age and upside, along with the number of injuries some teams are dealing with on his blueline.
Daily Faceoff prospect analyst Steven Ellis ranked Iorio as the Capitals’ eighth-best prospect in what Ellis described as one of the best prospect pools in his offseason ranking of Washington’s prospects, particularly for a team that’s been a playoff contender for so long. He had this to say on Iorio:
“Iorio didn’t return for NHL action this past season after playing nine games over the previous two years. But he did have his best AHL season to date, registering 20 points while playing more than 20 minutes a night. He is the strongest defenseman in Washington’s system from a physicality perspective, which isn’t shocking given he’s 6-foot-3. He likes to slow the pace down – don’t look for him to make high-end scoring plays any time soon. I think he’ll be more of a bottom-pair shutdown defender in the NHL.”
Iorio had five goals and 15 assists for 20 points in 67 games with the Capitals AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, as well as two assists in eight playoff games.
Iorio is in the final year of his three-year, entry-level contract, and is set to be a restricted free agent at the end of the season.
