Raiders trade center Jordan Meredith to Jets for pick swap
The Las Vegas Raiders traded center Jordan Meredith to the New York Jets on Sunday, Aug. 30, swapping late-round draft picks ahead of the NFL roster cut deadline. Jordan Meredith adds interior offensive line depth behind starter Josh Myers, while Las Vegas recoups value for a veteran likely headed for a backup role after Tyler Linderbaum's big contract.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport first reported the deal on Sunday afternoon, just hours before the league's 6 p.m. ET roster cut deadline. The move gives both franchises roster clarity as they finalize their 53-man squads for the 2026 season.
Key Takeaways
- The Jets acquired center Jordan Meredith from the Raiders for a pick swap involving 2027 and 2029 draft selections.
- Meredith, 28, started 19 games for Las Vegas over the past two seasons but was projected as a backup after Tyler Linderbaum's record-setting center contract.
- New York adds experienced interior line depth behind Josh Myers, who started all 17 games at center in 2025.
- Meredith is signed through 2026 at $3.5 million and is scheduled to become a free agent in 2027.
- Las Vegas gets a future pick rather than releasing Meredith outright ahead of final roster cuts.
Why did the Raiders trade Jordan Meredith to the Jets?
Las Vegas made center Tyler Linderbaum the highest-paid player at his position this offseason, signing him to a three-year, $81 million deal. That move pushed Meredith down the depth chart and into a backup role for 2026.
Rather than carry a veteran with starting experience on the bench or cut him for nothing, the Raiders flipped Meredith to New York before Sunday's deadline. Meredith joined the Raiders in 2022 on a futures contract and has played 45 games with 20 starts across four seasons in Las Vegas.
What did each team give up in the Jordan Meredith trade?
According to Rapoport and NBC Sports, the Jets and Raiders exchanged late-round picks as part of the deal. New York sent a 2027 sixth-round selection to Las Vegas, while the Raiders returned a 2029 seventh-rounder.
The swap is modest on paper, but it reflects the market for a backup interior lineman with starting snaps on his resume. For more late-breaking roster moves across sports and entertainment, see our Celebrity Breaking News hub.
What does Jordan Meredith bring to the Jets offensive line?
The Jets needed depth on the interior of their offensive line, and Meredith fills that need with real game experience. He started 11 games for the Raiders in 2025, playing 13 games overall while also seeing time at right guard.
Josh Myers remains the clear starter in New York after starting all 17 games last season and logging at least 16 starts in each of his previous three years with the Green Bay Packers. Meredith is expected to compete for a backup role behind Myers rather than push for the starting job.
Pro Football Focus graded Meredith at 57.7 overall in 2025, ranking 32nd among 40 eligible centers. He faced some struggles in his transition to center, but the Jets are betting that a change of scenery and a defined depth role could help him stabilize. Rapoport's full report is available via Yahoo Sports.
How does this move fit the 2026 Jets roster timeline?
Meredith signed a one-year restricted free agent deal with the Raiders this offseason and carries a $3.5 million salary for 2026. He is set to hit free agency in 2027, giving New York a low-cost, experienced insurance policy at a critical position.
With final cuts looming and the regular season approaching, the Jets prioritized a lineman who has already handled significant snap counts. Meredith's familiarity with starting duties could matter quickly if Myers misses time during a long NFL season.