The New York Jets know that making Justin Fields comfortable could be the key to unlocking their offense. After years of quarterback chaos, the franchise is taking a different approach this time around.
Team chemistry isn’t just a nice-to-have trait for NFL franchises. It’s essential, and front offices will spend serious money to build that culture around their team.
However, many organizations struggle to create lasting unity. For a quarterback who needs to quickly learn a new team and system, bringing in a familiar face can make all the difference in the transition.
Why Are the New York Jets Targeting Terry McLaurin from Washington?
Fields arrived in New York without much fanfare or sky-high expectations. After dealing with all the drama that surrounded the team, the Jets’ front office chose a quieter path to find their starting quarterback. Given everything that happened with former quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the move makes sense.
Regardless of Rodgers’ Hall of Fame credentials, his presence created more problems than solutions for the franchise.
Now on the field, the Jets have a signal-caller who’s ready to make the most of his chance. When Fields joined the team, he reconnected with Garrett Wilson. The duo helped Ohio State win 20 of 22 games over two seasons.
According to Sports Illustrated writer Mike Kadlick, the team ranks as a favorite to bring another Ohio State product to the Jets.
“General manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn are trying to turn over a new leaf in New York, and what better way to do so than to get your new quarterback in Justin Fields a second high-volume target?” Kadlick wrote.
“Should the Jets pull off a trade for (Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry) McLaurin, they’d pair him with young star Garrett Wilson, who has totaled 1,000+ yards in each of his first three seasons in the NFL,” Kadlick wrote. “He would also bring some much-needed experience to a team longing for an adult in the room.”
McLaurin has one year and will earn $22.78 million this upcoming season, per Spotrac, but the receiver wants a raise. He turned 29 in September 2024, just after the season started, yet McLaurin has proven his worth with five straight 1,000-yard seasons.
Plus, he accomplished this feat with different quarterbacks and coaches. That means he could easily fit into the Jets’ offensive scheme.
Still, a couple of questions remain about this potential move.
What Would It Cost for the Jets to Land McLaurin?
First, how much will it cost the Jets to pry a top receiver away from Washington? The return may not be as strong for the Commanders as they think. With just a year left on his deal, Washington can’t ask for too much. Whichever team trades for McLaurin will see him become an unrestricted free agent in March 2026.
Terry McLaurin deserves a 3 year contract at 30 mil a year and he will get it before training camp I’m not worried about it. pic.twitter.com/bL4JrMetHC
— Zac (@DCzWall) July 1, 2025
Therefore, picks ranging from a mid-second to a mid-third rounder might make the most sense for this type of deal.
Next, how would this trade actually help the Jets? Fields would suddenly have two lead receivers, forcing defenses to spread their coverage. That creates opportunities everywhere else on the field.
As a result, running backs like Breece Hall and Braelon Allen would face lighter boxes. This also benefits Fields, who likes to escape the pocket and make plays with his legs. The question now becomes whether the Jets can put together an offer that convinces the Commanders to send them their best receiver.
