The big news in the NFL today is that Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin has asked for a trade.
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
McLaurin has been seeking a new contract to no avail. He began training camp by holding out. While he nominally ended his hold out a few days back by reporting to training camp, he has yet to practice.
The Jets have a glaring need at wide receiver. There is little behind
Garrett Wilson at the position. That would make them a logical landing spot for McLaurin, right?
The answer is, “probably not.”
Since Aaron Glenn took over as head coach, the Jets have steered away from splashy moves. They have worked out new contracts with homegrown players Garrett Wilson, Sauce Gardner, and Jamien Sherwood and stated a preference for developing their own talent.
Under different circumstance, perhaps the Jets could give McLaurin a look. After all a team can prefer homegrown talent but still make exceptions as opportunities present themselves.
In this case, however, there would be a real cost-benefit deficit.
McLaurin’s reported contract request is exorbitant.
Adam Schefter says that he thinks #Commanders WR Terry McLaurin wants “considerably more” than DK Metcalf ($33M APY)
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) July 28, 2025
WOW.
(via:@PatMcAfeeShow) pic.twitter.com/FZhLjBfcKc
McLaurin is a very good receiver. He has posted between 900 and 1,200 receiving yards in each of his six NFL seasons. However, he turns 30 on September 15. We can presume that if the Commanders trade him (which is far for a foregone conclusion), they will want at least one high Draft pick in return.
So a team that trades for McLaurin will have the pleasure of sending off a top pick for the honor of paying McLaurin top dollar for his decline years.
I actually think McLaurin’s style of play suggests he will age well and decline gracefully, but a graceful decline is still decline. There is a price a declining McLaurin will be worth. It is almost certainly not what it would cost a team like the Jets.
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