After months of controversial contract talks, Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin has requested a trade. As the 29-year-old enters the final year of his deal, he and Washington appear far from an agreement.
Active Offseason for WR Movement Continuing With 5-Time 1,000-Yard Receiver on the Move?
In 2024, McLaurin and Jayden Daniels led the Commanders to a 12-5 record and an appearance in the NFC Championship game.
However, the immediate connection may not be enough to keep McLaurin in Washington. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports that the 6’0″ receiver is looking for a move.
The Ohio State product showed face at training camp this week after being out for the initial portion.
While his attendance may impose optimism, McLaurin is not participating as he is listed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list for an apparent ankle injury.
With factors continuing to pile in, making McLaurin’s return to Washington unlikely, how will McLaurin’s next deal (whomever it may be with) shake out?
BREAKING: #Commanders All-Pro WR Terry McLaurin has requested a trade, multiple sources tell me. pic.twitter.com/DQ33B2I6oi
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) July 31, 2025
Coming off what may be his best NFL season, McLaurin’s value is incredibly high. Along with that, the price for receivers appears generally high based on offseason signings thus far.
The Pittsburgh Steelers made D.K. Metcalf the fourth-highest-paid receiver in the NFL when they signed the Ole Miss product to a four-year deal carrying an annual average value (AAV) of $33 million.
The Los Angeles Rams gave 32-year-old Davante Adams a two-year contract with an AAV of $23 million. Adams’ arrival meant the departure of Cooper Kupp, who inked a three-year deal with Seattle worth $15 million a season.
Given the deal Metcalf received from Pittsburgh, NFL insider Adam Schefter believes McLaurin will want monetary value above that, which he reported on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
“It’s up to the two sides to figure out a way to bridge their differences..
As of today I don’t get the sense that anything is close” ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive https://t.co/U6r6OJSwZS pic.twitter.com/qsYb91b598
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) July 28, 2025
With McLaurin and Metcalf coming from the same draft class, Schefter believes the wideout will want equal if not more than what Pittsburgh’s new WR1 is earning.
“DK Metcalf was the same draft class as Terry McLaurin, he got about $33 million a year,” said Schefter. “I wouldn’t think that Terry is willing to take less than that and I think he wants considerably more than that.”
Since McLaurin is likely to receive $33 million or more a year, which teams are able to afford the star receiver?
Five Potential Landing Spots for McLaurin
McLaurin currently makes just below the $23 million a season with his nearly expired deal in Washington. As an alleged $10 million increase looms, who is in the market for the 38-career TD weapon?
Pittsburgh Steelers
Despite making a big splash earlier this offseason by signing Metcalf, the Steelers currently have a vacancy at the WR2 position.
In 2024, George Pickens played the role of WR1, and the falloff was steep behind him, as the closest receiver had nearly 300 fewer yards.
Pittsburgh currently holds just under $18 million in cap space, meaning general manager Omar Khan would likely need to add a player in the deal. However, Khan has already made massive moves this offseason, so McLaurin to Pittsburgh may not be out of the question.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are desperate for a WR1 after Adams’s exit early in the 2024 season.
Rookie tight end Brock Bowers bore most of the load while Jakobi Meyers registered his first 1,000-yard season in Adams’ place.
With just below $38 million in cap space and a need for depth at the position, McLaurin may be a perfect fit in Las Vegas.
San Francisco 49ers
With Deebo Samuel being dealt to Washington, could it be possible that he and McLaurin simply swap teams?
The 49ers inked presumed WR1 Brandon Aiyuk to a long-term extension last offseason. However, with injuries plaguing the high-potential 49er, adding depth could be key.
The 49ers have over $45 million in cap space and are more than capable of making a big splash.
Arizona Cardinals
Cardinals rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. ended his opening NFL season fashionably as he went for 60 yards or more four times in the club’s final ten games.
Adding a veteran like McLaurin to the mix would give quarterback Kyler Murray potentially the best vertical options he’s had in his entire career.
Holding more than $35 million in cap space, the Cardinals could have just what it takes to add the unhappy Commander.
New York Jets
The Jets have not been quiet in the 2025 offseason, filling holes at numerous positions.
With Adams gone, the wide receiver room may be in need of attention. Behind Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard looks to serve as the WR2 with players like Tyler Johnson, Xavier Gipson, and Josh Reynolds competing for the next spot.
Coming in just around $30 million in cap space, adding McLaurin may be tight. Although his services would bolster an already high-potential Jets offense entering 2025.
