Trade Idea Moves Commanders’ Terry McLaurin to Patriots originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
As things currently stand, the relationship between All-Pro wide receiver Terry McLaurin and the Washington Commanders have worsened as the offseason has gone along.
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ESPN’s Jordan Schultz reported earlier this month that McLaurin left the Commanders’ OTAs after initially attending them and was expected to not show up to the team’s mandator minicamp. According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, that ended up being the case, and McLaurin’s reason for his non-attendance centered around a new contract.
Unsurprisingly, rumors of a potential trade involving McLaurin have emerged, just like they historically have for any NFL superstar holding out for a new contract. McLaurin is one of many players who Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox believes has the highest trade value, and he considers the New England Patriots to be an ideal landing spot for the wideout.
Knox could also see the Commanders and Pittsburgh Steelers making such a deal.
“He should still have the attention of receiver-needy teams such as the New England Patriots and the Steelers,” Knox wrote. “New England has a promising second-year quarterback in Drake Maye who could use a reliable pass-catcher like McLaurin. The Steelers are betting big on [Aaron] Rodgers this season but have questionable receiver depth behind early offseason trade acquisition DK Metcalf.”
Washington Commanders WR Terry McLaurin (17) celebrates a touchdown catch with offensive tackle Sam Cosmi (76).Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
What makes McLaurin an even more attractive option compared to other wideouts, according to Knox, is how he could help steer Maye in a positive direction, much like he did with last year’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in the nation’s capital.
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“The 29-year-old has averaged over 1,000 yards per season in his career and topped the 1,000-yard mark in five straight campaigns. He also played a substantial role in the rapid rise of quarterback Jayden Daniels in 2024,” Knox wrote. “With good deep speed, great route skills and a knack for finding space in the secondary, McLaurin would be a tremendous asset for any team looking to develop a young signal-caller. Of course, that’s precisely why Washington won’t be eager to let him go.”
McLaurin is coming off a 2024 season during which he received All-Pro Second-Team honors and a spot on the NFC’s Pro Bowl roster. He finished the campaign with 1,096 receiving yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns on 82 receptions.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.