NFL insider Albert Breer doesn’t expect the Washington Commanders to botch their pending contract extension with All-Pro wide receiver Terry McLaurin. However, if the situation remains unresolved and McLaurin is available, Breer believes the New England Patriots would be “very interested” in pursuing him.
McLaurin is currently in the final year of his contract in Washington, and he has voiced his frustrations over the failing contract negotiations publicly. He has 77-plus receptions for over 1,000 yards in the last five straight seasons with the Commanders.
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Last year, he proved to be quarterback Jayden Daniels’ top receiving target with 82 receptions for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns.
“This is a guy who has been a team captain for a long time, exemplary character, all of that, so my anticipation is that the Commanders are going to take a swing at getting something done with him over the course of the next week just because it makes too much sense for both sides,” Breer said on Arbella Early Edition. “I think the Patriots would be very interested in this.
“Now, there’s a price point for all of it, and what would that mean? Obviously, he’s not going to come here with an unresolved contract situation, so you better be talking about a draft pick, plus a contract. He’s a little older than people realize because he was a five-year college guy. He’s over 30 now. Certainly, as far as what they’re looking for, from a person, from a player—helping Drake Maye—this guy checks every box.”
McLaurin is exactly the kind of veteran playmaker the Patriots were initially looking for in free agency before signing four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs.
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There is still some uncertainty about what they’ll get out of Diggs, who is still recovering from the torn ACL injury he suffered last season. Diggs is one of the hardest-working players in the league, and he looks well ahead of schedule in his recovery.
With that said, it would be a huge bonus for the team to add McLaurin, an elite player coming off a highly productive season with a young quarterback. A duo of Diggs and McLaurin would be a dramatic facelift for a Patriots offense that has ranked among the worst for the last three seasons.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: NFL insider pumps up Patriots and WR Terry McLaurin trade talk