NFL insider linked disgruntled WR to Patriots before trade request

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated told NBC Boston earlier in the month that the Patriots "would be very interested" in trading for McLaurin if the situation between the Commanders and the receiver deteriorated to the point it now has.

"I think the Patriots would be very interested in this," Breer said. "There's a price point for all of it, and what would that mean? Obviously, he's not going to come here with an unresolved contract situation, so you'd be talking about a draft pick plus a contract. 

"He's a little older than people realize because he was a five-year college guy. He'll be 30 in September. Certainly, as far as what they're looking for, from a person, a player, helping Drake Maye, etc., this guy checks every box."

Breer was skeptical the Patriots would have a chance to trade for McLaurin, as he thought a new deal made "too much sense" for the Commanders. 

Evidently, the price tag doesn't make sense to general manager Adam Peters.

McLaurin, a 2019 third-round pick, is coming off an All-Pro season where he recorded a career-high 82 receptions for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns.

The Ohio State standout would be an ideal target for a Patriots team that needs receiver depth beyond what Stefon Diggs brings to the table as a 31-year-old coming off a season-ending ACL injury in 2024.

New England has the money to pay McLaurin what he desires. The Patriots have the most cap space in the league remaining for 2025 at $59.6M, per Over The Cap.