The Indianapolis Colts could use another gifted wide receiver, and Terry McLaurin is the perfect guy for the job. McLaurin, who’s currently with the Washington Commanders, hasn’t officially requested a trade. But that doesn’t mean the Commanders won’t look to move him this spring.
Alex Kay of Bleacher Report wrote about Washington GM Adam Peters possibly trading veterans like Jonathan Allen for draft capital:
“While Washington has nine picks in the 2024 draft—four in the top 67—it could use more to overhaul a pockmarked lineup. Dealing veterans to free up salary-cap space and add more draft capital to the offers should be a priority for Peters. Due to this shift in focus, Jonathan Allen, the team’s standout defensive tackle, could be on the way out after seven seasons with the club.”
The Commanders could indeed implement a full-blown rebuild and place McLaurin on the trade block. If that happens, the Colts need to work out a deal.
Indianapolis Colts Should Trade For Terry McLaurin
Indy Native Has Had an Impressive Career
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. They selected his college teammate and roommate Parris Campbell with the 59th overall pick. Meanwhile, McLaurin went 76th overall to the Commanders.
McLaurin was named to the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) All-Rookie Team. He recorded 58 receptions for 919 yards and seven touchdowns that year.
The 2023 Pro-Bowler has posted 1,000 receiving yards in each of the past four years. He is the only player in franchise history to accomplish the feat.
Why the Colts Should Acquire Terry McLaurin
Following a Week 17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers this season, McLaurin spoke about another difficult year with the Commanders, who eventually finished with a 4-13 record.
“It’s definitely tough,” he said, via Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. “I mean, you want to be a part of something that is sustainable, and you’re winning and competing at a high level.”
If the Commanders make McLaurin available or he requests a trade, the Colts could very well be a team he’d be interested in going to. He’s from Indianapolis and chances are he’s always dreamt about playing for his hometown team.
The Colts, who went 9-8 and missed the playoffs, clearly weren’t a Super Bowl contender this year like the 49ers. Yet, they could emerge as an elite team next year with McLaurin onboard.
Indianapolis is expected to re-sign free agent wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. The USC product had a sensational season, catching 109 passes for 1,152 yards and four touchdowns.
McLaurin, Pittman, Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce would give the Colts one of the league’s top receiver groups. Throw in quarterback Anthony Richardson, who’s returning from a shoulder injury, as well as running back Jonathan Taylor, and Indy could feature an explosive offense in 2024.
The Colts would likely have to trade their first-round pick (15th overall) this year to acquire McLaurin. While they could use that pick to draft a receiver instead, there’s no guarantee that he’ll pan out. Indy knows what it would get in McLaurin: A star wideout who could elevate the offense.
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