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Jul 25, 2025; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Will The Steelers Trade For Terry McLaurin?

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Zane Wright | Last updated Aug 9, 2025 5:17 PM ET

Just over a week ago, Washington Commanders star wide receiver Terry McLaurin officially requested a trade after growing frustrated with the team due to a lack of progress in contract negotiations. While sources around the league remain skeptical as to whether or not the 29-year-old will actually be moved in the near future, McLaurin’s trade request has now opened the door to the possibility of such a move potentially taking place.

Throughout his six seasons with the Commanders, McLaurin has consistently been the team’s most impactful offensive weapon. The former Ohio State standout has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in each of the past five seasons. He also had his best season in 2024 in terms of finding the endzone, scoring a career-high 13 receiving touchdowns during the regular season and tallying on three more touchdowns over the course of Washington’s three playoff games.

In addition to his elite-level production, McLaurin has seldom missed any game time due to injury throughout his career. McLaurin has played in every game for Washington since the 2021 season and has only missed a total of three games since coming into the league in 2019.

Are The Steelers Eyeing A Trade?

A report from Saturday, August 2nd indicated that the Pittsburgh Steelers had officially called the Washington Commanders to discuss a trade for McLaurin; however, there is no indication that Pittsburgh ended up making an offer or that Washington has decided to seriously entertain such calls.

From the Steelers’ perspective, trading for McLaurin would make a lot of sense. Pittsburgh’s current receiving corps is rather thin after WR1 DK Metcalf . If the Steelers make no further moves in the weeks to come, their number two receiver in Week 1 will likely either be Robert Woods or Calvin Austin. In reality, Pittsburgh’s collection of wide receivers appears to have the same problems as it did last season, just with George Pickens swapped out for DK Metcalf.

Why A Deal Could Get Gone

Jan 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) makes the game-winning touchdown catch over Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Steelers have been unusually aggressive throughout the offseason. They have made multiple high profile trades since March, acquiring DK Metcalf from Seattle, dealing George Pickens to Dallas, and swapping Minkah Fitzpatrick for Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith in a splashy exchange with Miami. Therefore, it should not come as a surprise if Pittsburgh decides to be aggressive once again.

Since trading away Pickens in May, there have been rumors that the Steelers were looking to bring in another receiver. McLaurin’s potential availability could provide them with the perfect opportunity to add a player that will make a serious impact at a position of need.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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