Which Teams Should Trade for Terry McLaurin?

While it would be ideal to keep McLaurin, quarterback Jayden Daniels’ leading option, a contract dispute may lead the Commanders and McLaurin to part ways.

Former Commanders receiver and Ring of Fame member Santana Moss voiced his opinion on the situation, saying, “Respectfully, just pay him.” After a season in which he recorded 1,096 yards, 13 touchdowns and earned an All-Pro selection, a pay raise makes sense.

McLaurin is set to make close to $20 million a year but is seeking an extension closer to market value. With the wide receiver market reset in recent years, extending players of his caliber has become more challenging. If he is moved, here are five landing spots that could make sense. 

Los Angeles Chargers

In recent years, the Los Angeles Chargers have struggled to find wide receiver talent to support quarterback Justin Herbert. Adding McLaurin would instantly bolster the group and create a strong duo with him and Ladd McConkey. Last season, McConkey recorded 82 receptions, 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns in his rookie campaign.

Behind McConkey, the wide receiver position leaves much to be desired. Former first-round pick Quentin Johnston has shown inconsistency and struggles with drops. Derius Davis hasn’t contributed much either, totaling 178 receiving yards in his career. Rookies Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith offer hope for the future but remain unproven at the NFL level.

The Chargers have shown interest in adding another receiver to the group. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that former Chargers receiver Keenan Allen visited the team. If Allen is not signed, McLaurin could be a player worth trading for. 

New England Patriots

Even after signing free-agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs, adding McLaurin would help the New England Patriots become a strong contender for the AFC East title. Giving second-year quarterback Drake Maye two legitimate receivers would allow this offense to thrive under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. 

Since the departure of Julian Edelman, finding consistent receiver help has been a struggle. Last year’s second-round pick, Ja’Lynn Polk, is now fighting for a roster spot. He appeared in 15 games but caught only 12 passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns on 33 targets. Polk was drafted after Ladd McConkey, when the Patriots traded back in a deal with the Chargers.

The Patriots do have contributors such as DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte, but adding a weapon like McLaurin would round out the receiver group. Even with optimism surrounding 2025 third-round pick Kyle Williams, making a big-time trade would make sense. 

Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers could be a sneaky team to acquire McLaurin. Even with Jayden Reed and the newly drafted Matthew Golden, the position has been a mixed bag. With Christian Watson likely starting the season on the physically unable to perform list, the Packers need an added punch at wideout. 

Acquiring McLaurin could be a piece that allows the Packers to finally become true contenders. With quarterback Jordan Love, running back Josh Jacobs, and tight ends Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave, the offense has some key building blocks in place. A stronger receiver room would allow everything to come together smoothly.

The Packers also have assets to send back in a deal after drafting Savion Williams from TCU. Whether it is Romeo Doubs or Dontayvion Wicks on the move, Green Bay would be set up in the long run. Ultimately, acquiring McLaurin would give the Packers a legitimate shot at contending for a Super Bowl. 

Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills are a team that should call the Commanders about McLaurin. With Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs standing as their biggest obstacle to a Super Bowl, adding another top playmaker could help close the gap. While the Bills have beaten the Chiefs in the regular season, they have struggled to get past them when it counts. For McLaurin, moving from Jayden Daniels to Josh Allen would be a smooth transition. 

Despite having Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman and Joshua Palmer, adding a true No. 1 receiver could open up the offense. With Shakir expected to miss four to five weeks with an ankle injury, the depth behind him looks thin. After the failed Amari Cooper experiment at last year’s trade deadline, the Bills could bounce back by making a move for McLaurin. 

The challenge would be managing extensions for both McLaurin and running back James Cook at the same time. For Buffalo, the decision is whether to chase a Super Bowl now or run it back with the same core of players. 

Pittsburgh Steelers

With general manager Omar Khan showing a willingness to make bold moves to improve the roster, this may not be out of the question. Deals for DK Metcalf, Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith have shown Khan’s commitment to winning and bringing a seventh Super Bowl to Pittsburgh. On the Pat McAfee Show, Khan said the team would continue to explore opportunities to improve the roster if they arose and expressed confidence in how the team was constructed this offseason. 

Chris Halicke of DK Pittsburgh Sports reported that the Steelers have reached out about McLaurin but are not expected to land him. While this suggests nothing is imminent, this offseason has been unpredictable. Rumors of Metcalf and Ramsey preferring warmer weather have already proven unfounded.

For the Steelers, keeping assets for next year’s draft may prove to be the better option. With preseason games officially underway, another receiver could step up and round out the group.

Why Keep McLaurin?

Though trade requests often surface during contract negotiations, this could simply be a tactic by McLaurin to eventually secure a new deal. After last season, he not only deserves a pay raise but has remained a steady presence in Washington despite years of inconsistent quarterback play. 

Keeping McLaurin should be a priority. He was a key factor in helping the Commanders reach the playoffs, and his presence gives Daniels a reliable No. 1 option. Without him, the receiving corps would be missing a major piece. While players such as Luke McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel and Noah Brown are capable of contributing, McLaurin’s ability to create separation and explosive plays makes him indispensable.

McLaurin has also embraced the community surrounding the Commanders and the city. As a fan favorite, many would love to see him remain in Washington long term and eventually join the ranks of franchise legends such as Santana Moss, Art Monk and Pierre Garcon.