Washington Commanders star Terry McLaurin recently requested a trade. Should the Indianapolis Colts trade for him?
“Scary Terry” is easily one of the NFL’s best wide receivers. During his career, the two-time Pro Bowler has caught 460 passes for 6,379 yards and 38 touchdowns. McLaurin has recorded over 1,000 receiving yards in five of his six seasons. The only season he didn’t hit the 1,000 mark was his rookie year (2019) when he had 919 yards. With that said, he’d be a great addition to the Colts’ offense.
Yes, the Indianapolis Colts Should Trade for Terry McLaurin
Looking Back at His Career
Terry McLaurin was born and raised in Indianapolis. Named Indiana’s “Mr. Football” in 2013, he grew up on the city’s northwest side and went to Cathedral High School. He also attended Colts games, sitting in Section 540 at Lucas Oil Stadium.
McLaurin played his college ball at Ohio State. During his time with the Buckeyes, he caught 75 passes for 1,251 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The Colts passed up McLaurin in the 2019 NFL Draft. Instead, they selected his college teammate and roommate, Parris Campbell, with the 59th overall pick. Meanwhile, McLaurin went 76th overall to the Washington Commanders.
McLaurin instantly became an impact player in Washington. He was named to the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) All-Rookie Team. He has recorded at least 1,000 receiving yards in each of the past five seasons.
In 2024, McLaurin set the Commanders’ team record for most touchdown catches in a season with 13. He also earned second-team All-Pro honors.
In addition, McLaurin helped Washington reach the playoffs last season. He recorded seven receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round. Then he had four receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown in the win over the Detroit Lions that advanced Washington to the NFC Championship Game.
Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) runs with the ball for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Why McLaurin Makes Sense
Jay Robins of Stampede Blue wrote about the Colts possibly trading for Terry McLaurin:
“The Indianapolis Colts don’t really need another wide receiver right now. Michael Pittman Jr. has held the WR1 role since 2021, averaging 992 yards a season in that four year span. Josh Downs has manned the slot as a shifty separator over the last 2 seasons and competed with Pittman for the top target share last season. Alec Pierce is on the last year of his rookie deal and led the NFL in Yards per reception with 22.3 and led the Colts in receiving yards with 824, narrowly beating out Pittman (808) and Downs (803) in just 37 catches. They even have 2024 2nd round wide receiver Adonai Mitchell 4th on the depth chart and subbing in at times, albeit with some consistency and chemistry issues as a rookie. But the Colts could look to upgrade, and if there is a Wide Receiver that is a tradeable asset in this scenario, it’s swapping top targets with Pittman Jr. heading to Washington.”
To land McLaurin, the Colts would likely have to swap Pittman Jr., as Robins pointed out. McLaurin, who turns 30 soon, is two years older than Pittman Jr. Yet, McLaurin is an upgrade over any of the Colts’ current receivers. Therefore, it makes sense for the Colts to trade for him.
Teams like the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers would be good fits for McLaurin. But don’t forget about the hometown Colts.
Main Image: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images