Reporter makes intriguing claim about Terry McLaurin, AFC East team

Following a shockingly successful season where the Washington Commanders catapulted themselves into the playoffs with a 12-5 record, not everything has gone smoothly. 

In particular, contract talks have gone haywire between the Commanders and their star wide receiver, Terry McLaurin. 

Coming off an excellent year in which he posted stats of 1,096 yards, 82 receptions and a career-best 13 touchdowns, McLaurin is looking to reap the rewards. 

The former Ohio State Buckeye has reached the last year of a three-year, $68M deal and is currently slated to be an unrestricted free agent next offseason. Of course, the Commanders do not want that to happen. However, neither side has been able to see eye to eye. 

After six years with the franchise, a breakup is very much possible. With no resolution in sight between the pair, murmurs about a potential trade have started to erupt.

In turn, several teams may shift their attention to the two-time Pro Bowler. Most notably, a potential AFC East suitor was mentioned in connection with the possibility of trading for McLaurin. 

"I think the Patriots would be very interested in this," Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer said while appearing on NBC Sports Boston show "Arbella Early Edition" on Wednesday.

As the Patriots look towards getting out of the mud for the first time since Tom Brady's departure in 2019, McLaurin would do a fine job in bolstering the squad. McLaurin has served as a dominant go-to wide receiver in each of his six seasons and would step right in as breakout-ready quarterback Drake Maye's No. 1 option. 

Although New England welcomed veteran receiver Stefon Diggs into the room this offseason, further reinforcements would come as a massive benefit. The Patriots have long sought an elite offensive playmaker, and McLaurin would be just that. 

Before any trade occurs, a resolution must be reached. If they do decide to part ways, the Patriots have both the cap space to sign McLaurin to a long-term contract and the necessary draft capital to make a deal happen.