The 6 Terry McLaurin Trade Packages the Commanders Might Actually Have to Consider (God Help Us)

Alright, buckle in, readers, because things just got borderline apocalyptic in the Washington Commanders’ front office. Terry McLaurin, the franchise’s best wide receiver who’s been hung out to dry in contract talks, has turned his back on voluntary workouts. Yes, you read that right: the guy who has been the rare constant in a sea of quarterback chaos just decided enough is enough. The man’s gotta eat, and by all indications, he’s angling for a fat contract that matches or even exceeds the elite tier in the NFL — the kind of money that makes a pig blush.

Terry McLaurin: The guy Washington really can’t afford to lose. AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.

McLaurin isn’t flashy elite like Justin Jefferson or Ja’Marr Chase, but he’s the kind of steady, no-BS pro who pops off 1,000 yards for five straight seasons — a streak only a handful of NFL receivers have pulled off. He’s as consistent as a metronome but with 6-foot, 201-pound muscle and lightning-fast 4.35-second speed that makes defenders cry. At 29, he’s right at the cliff’s edge where players either cash in big or start sliding down the slippery slope of decline.

Why Could Washington Even Consider Trading Him?

Stop me if you’ve heard this before: Washington might be looking to jump ship on McLaurin for a price that’s “too good to refuse.” The team just added Deebo Samuel, a top-tier weapon, so the receiving corps won’t be left barren. Plus, the Commanders are into a fresh new dynasty window with young QB Jayden Daniels. Makes sense, right?

But here’s the catch: McLaurin turns 30 in September, which, in NFL recreational math, is old. The Commanders might be hesitant to drop a king’s ransom on an aging receiver, even one as dependable as McLaurin. Also, contract negotiations have been slow, frustrating, and downright messy. McLaurin’s hard out might push Washington toward cashing in before the market dries out.

Let’s Talk Comparisons: Meet the Mirror Image of McLaurin (aka DK Metcalf)

DK Metcalf, that hulking speedy freak, has a very McLaurin-esque career arc. Metcalf is two years younger but shares a draft era and a pair of Pro Bowl nods. Both have sniffed 6,300+ yards and scored a plethora of touchdowns. The Seahawks shocked the world by trading Metcalf to the Steelers for a second-rounder and a draft swap before sealing a obscene new 4-year, $132 million contract.

Edge rusher Zaven Collins might be the key to unlocking a McLaurin trade with Arizona. AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

1. Arizona Cardinals Hang Their Hats on McLaurin

Arizona nailed the draft with Marvin Harrison Jr.—the flashiest slot ace this side of the century—but they don’t have a rock-solid No. 1 receiver to help Kyler Murray bounce back from his ACL hitch. McLaurin could be the secret weapon to resurrect Murray’s mojo, which has been nowhere near Pro Bowl caliber since 2021.

The Cards could offer a second-round draft pick and their edge rusher Zaven Collins — a sack artist with potential to be cut loose by 2026 to save cap space ($4.4 million if you care about details). Washington desperately wants edge rush help, so it’s a juicy swap for both.

2. Los Angeles Chargers Need a Perimeter Eye Candy

The Chargers have been desperately fiddling with the receiver room — sure, Mike Williams returned, and the scrum of Tre Harris and Quentin Johnston lurk in the wings, but none are quite the Mr. Reliable McLaurin brings. Quentin’s only 23, but he’s yet to blow up as predicted, so he could sweeten the deal.

In return, the Chargers would get McLaurin plus a 2026 third-rounder, sending the young Johnston and a couple mid-round picks Washington’s way. With their cap spacious enough ($27.9 million) this seems doable if they’re serious about ousting the Chiefs.

Quentin Johnston: Young but still waiting to break out for the Chargers. AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper

3. New England Patriots: The Comeback Kids Want McLaurin

Patriots got fired up with big offseason moves — adding Stefon Diggs (coming off a torn ACL) and rookies galore. Maybe that’s why they’re eyeing McLaurin as a perfect complementary chess piece for their young QB Drake Maye. Hooper, the veteran tight end, might also be dangled to seal the deal. With question marks lingering around Diggs and Mack Hollins, adding McLaurin’s consistency might be the best move New England makes to get out of total rebuild mode.

4. New York Jets Could Use Some McLaurin Magic

The Jets are in rebuild-revamp mode with Aaron Glenn and Justin Fields at the helm. Adding McLaurin across from Garrett Wilson could give Fields a much-needed reliable target and spark to the offense. The catch? Money. Jets have to juggle extensions for their young stars like Sauce Gardner and Breece Hall.

Throw in a running back swap involving Austin Ekeler and Breece Hall for cap and roster flexibility, and you have a potential blockbuster that wakes both teams up. Plus, Jets also know McLaurin—Scott Turner, their passing game guru, coached him in D.C.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers: Rodgers’ New Toy?

Steelers went all in on Rodgers with a one-year $13.65 million million deal, and they want to give him targets that don’t look like a fumbling toddler trying to make a catch. Metcalf’s in the mix but after trading away Pickens, they might push hard for McLaurin, even sacrificing high picks. The Steelers defense is strong but the offense needs a jolt. McLaurin, the clinical route-runner, could be that jolt to complement Rodgers and Metcalf.

They’ve got the cap space, but they won’t part lightly with draft picks or players. This is a win-now season and McLaurin could be the cherry on top.

6. Tennessee Titans Could Make the Boldest Play

The Titans have the No. 1 pick (Cam Ward) and are looking for weapons. Their WR room has plenty of names but no true No. 1 guy to lean on. McLaurin fits perfectly. They have the cap space and can throw in Treylon Burks, who hasn’t exactly set the world on fire during his pro years — a low-risk move with possible high reward for Washington.

Cam Ward and a fresh weapon? Tennessee could make a big splash.

Conclusion: Buckle Up, NFL Fans

Terry McLaurin’s saga is a ticking time bomb wrapped in a $90 million dollar contract wish. Washington is stuck between a rock and a hard place: pony up the cash or let the guy walk into an opponent’s arms. Multiple teams stand ready with sexy offers that could remake rosters and power dynamics in the league. No matter what, this summer is gonna be wild.

So, what’s it gonna be? The reliable warrior finds a million-dollar payday in Washington or ends up running routes in a new stadium altogether? I don’t know, but as someone who’s seen enough NFL drama to lose sleep over it, you better stay glued to your screen, because this is going to get ugly, emotional, and maybe even funny — and that’s just the beginning.