Top 5 landing spots for Terry McLaurin after trade request
Two-time Pro Bowl receiver Terry McLaurin reportedly requested a trade from the Washington Commanders amid stalled contract talks with the team.
Washington apparently has no interest in dealing its leading wideout. However, if the Commanders decide to make a move, here's a list of teams that should pursue the five-time 1,000-yard wideout:
New England Patriots
The Patriots almost make too much sense as a destination for McLaurin. New England had already been linked to the 29-year-old even before his trade request. Not only do the Pats have more than enough salary cap space, but Mike Vrabel's outfit also has a major need at wide receiver. DeMario Douglas led the team's WRs with 621 yards in 2024.
The aggressive Patriots added Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and third-round rookie Kyle Williams this offseason. However, Diggs - the club's No. 1 guy - turns 32 in November and is coming off a torn ACL. McLaurin would fit like a glove in a New England offense trying to help second-year quarterback Drake Maye.
Los Angeles Chargers
If McLaurin becomes available, the Chargers shouldn't pass on the opportunity. Although adding another reliable pass-catcher was a priority for Jim Harbaugh this offseason, L.A.'s biggest move was drafting Tre Harris in Round 2. Los Angeles reunited with Mike Williams in free agency, but the veteran wideout retired before the preseason. Harris is projected to start along with Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston in one of football's youngest groups of wide receivers.
The Chargers need to keep up with other juggernaut offenses in the AFC, and McLaurin would give them a reliable and established weapon with 460 career receptions under his belt.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay ... Pittsburgh is in the midst of its most aggressive offseason in recent memory, so why stop now? Age clearly isn't a concern here. McLaurin, who turns 30 in September, would be the WR2 that the Steelers have been looking for after landing Metcalf and ditching George Pickens. The other options on their roster are Calvin Austin, Roman Wilson, Robert Woods, and Ben Skowronek, among others.
McLaurin's potential new contract, projected to be around $30 million per year, could be an issue, especially since Pittsburgh has already committed almost $33 million annually to Metcalf. Still, no one should be surprised if the Steelers make another big addition as they try to become legit contenders again.
Arizona Cardinals
A McLaurin trade would be great for the Cardinals in many ways. While Arizona boasts an interesting trio in Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, and Greg Dortch, none of them are established stars yet. Of course, the expectation is that Harrison becomes a perennial Pro Bowler, but his rookie year left something to be desired.
McLaurin would help take pressure off Harrison and give the Cardinals a lethal receiving duo, assuming Harrison meets the sky-high expectations surrounding him. But even if Harrison fails to break out again in Year 2, McLaurin would still serve as a proven WR1 for Kyler Murray and Co.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are projected to enter the 2025 season with Jakobi Meyers as their top wide receiver. They need more impact and depth, and that's why they drafted three wideouts this year, including two in the first four rounds.
McLaurin would mark another high-profile move for a Las Vegas team trying to change its culture with head coach Pete Carroll on the sideline. McLaurin's leadership (he's been a captain in Washington for years) is something Carroll would love. The Raiders' new regime traded for a veteran quarterback in Geno Smith earlier this year, and acquiring an experienced receiver just before the season starts would be a fitting move.