Kansas City, MO – April 27, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs, fresh off fortifying their defense and offensive line in the first two days of the 2025 NFL Draft, executed a blockbuster trade with the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday, sending right tackle Jawaan Taylor for wide receiver Jakobi Meyers and a 2025 fifth-round pick (No. 150), sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal, aimed at bolstering Kansas City’s offense post a 40-22 Super Bowl LIX loss, underscores their aggressive push for another title.
The Chiefs, who drafted Josh Simmons (OT, pick 32), Omarr Norman-Lott (DT, pick 63), Ashton Gillotte (EDGE, pick 66), and Nohl Williams (CB, pick 85), addressed critical needs but lacked a dynamic receiver after losing DeAndre Hopkins. Meyers, 28, posted 71 catches, 809 yards, and 8 touchdowns in 2024, earning a PFF grade of 78.9 (NFL.com). His crisp routes and 4.4-second 40-yard dash speed align with Andy Reid’s RPO-heavy scheme.
“Meyers is a game-changer,” Reid told reporters. With $12.7 million in cap space, Kansas City absorbs Meyers’ $10.5 million 2025 cap hit, while shedding Taylor’s $27.4 million burden (Spotrac). Taylor, 27, struggled with a PFF grade of 56.6, prompting the Chiefs to trust Simmons and Kingsley Suamataia on the line.
The Raiders, reeling from a 2-15 season, gain Taylor to replace Kolton Miller (IR, 2024) and bolster their line for rookie quarterback Jake Haener. “Jawaan’s a cornerstone,” coach Pete Carroll said. Las Vegas, with Tre Tucker and DJ Turner emerging, viewed Meyers as expendable in his final contract year.
GM Brett Veach lauded the trade: “Jakobi elevates our attack.” Meyers joins Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown, easing concerns over Rashee Rice’s potential suspension. With four remaining picks, including No. 133, the Chiefs eye running back depth. This trade signals Kansas City’s resolve to supercharge Mahomes’ arsenal for a 2025 Super Bowl run.
