Washington Commanders star wide receiver Terry McLaurin has requested a trade following a contract standoff, opening the door for teams like the New England Patriots to pursue one of the league’s most reliable and explosive pass catchers.
The 29-year-old Pro Bowler is coming off a sensational 2024 season, where he set a new franchise record with 13 touchdown receptions, surpassing his rookie mark of seven and marking his fifth consecutive 1,000-yard season. McLaurin also earned Second-Team All-Pro honors and played a pivotal role in helping Washington reach the NFC Championship Game for the first time in decades.
Yet, despite his consistent performance and growing leadership role, McLaurin is now at odds with the franchise that drafted him. According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, McLaurin’s hold-in during training camp escalated when he formally requested a trade on Thursday night, citing dissatisfaction with ongoing contract negotiations. Reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport suggest that talks have completely stalled.
Commanders WR Terry McLaurin: A Star on the Move?
Drafted in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, McLaurin quickly outpaced expectations and has developed into one of the NFL’s premier receivers. Over six seasons with Washington, he’s recorded:
- 6,635 receiving yards
- 38 touchdowns
- Five straight 1,000+ yard seasons (2019–2024)
- Three appearances on the NFL Top 100 list, ranked No. 52 for 2025
In 2024, he proved to be a difference-maker for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, establishing instant chemistry that culminated in multiple highlight-reel plays, including an 86-yard touchdown vs. the Cowboys and two scores in consecutive wins over the Titans and Saints.
Despite that momentum, McLaurin is reportedly unhappy with his current three-year, $71 million contract, which he signed in 2022. With top receivers like D.K. Metcalf landing deals in the $30–33 million per year range, McLaurin is believed to be seeking a similarly lucrative extension.
Could the Patriots Land McLaurin?
With trade rumors swirling, the New England Patriots are emerging as one of the top contenders to land McLaurin. Head coach Mike Vrabel, himself an Ohio State alum, could be the bridge between McLaurin and Foxborough. And with $60 million in available cap space, New England is well-positioned to offer both a competitive trade package and a contract extension.
The Patriots are building around rookie quarterback Drake Maye, and pairing him with a dynamic receiving trio of McLaurin, Stefon Diggs, and DeMario Douglas would instantly elevate the offense. New England hasn’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019, but McLaurin’s arrival could change that narrative.
Potential trade assets for New England include:
- Future second-round picks
- Veteran WR Kendrick Bourne
- Young talents like Ja’Lynn Polk or Javon Baker
Other Potential Trade Suitors
Should Washington opt to move McLaurin, they’ll have no shortage of interested teams. Other potential landing spots include:
- Tennessee Titans – in need of a top-flight receiver to support Will Levis
- Las Vegas Raiders – looking for a consistent WR to pair with Davante Adams or replace him long-term
- San Francisco 49ers – who could add McLaurin to a stacked offense for another deep playoff run
However, the Commanders have made it clear they don’t want to trade their star receiver — they may be forced to if the relationship continues to deteriorate.
What’s Next?
As training camp progresses and the 2025 NFL season approaches, McLaurin’s future hangs in the balance. While he remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, teams across the league will monitor the situation closely. Whether he’s catching passes from Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye this fall could come down to dollars, trust — and a willingness from Washington to let go.