The idea of the Washington Commanders trading Terry McLaurin to the New England Patriots is, as near as we can tell, one completely made up - in an irresponsible manner - by a Boston website.
And yet ...
The concept, errant as it seems, is now gaining enough momentum that FS1's Colin Cowherd was joined by SI's Albert Breer in a video segment headlined with the suggestion that the Patriots are eyeing'' McLaurin.
In the segment, it is worth noting that Breer sort of shuts it down; he has likely read the origin story (as we have) and recognizes that the entire thing is made up.
He also says that the relationship between contract holdout McLaurin, coach Dan Quinn and the organization is such that eventually, a new deal will be worked out.
And on that issue, we agree, with McLaurin obviously due to eventually come in at over $30 million APY.
Said Breer: "I just don't see where the Commanders are going to walk away from him ... After everything he's been through ... He really values having been through all of that. And Dan Quinn really values him.''
So far, so good.
Next, though, the reporter attempts a stretch of logic to create a connection, pointing out that Pats boss "Mike Vrabel coached and played at Ohio State'' and therefore knows all about fellow Buckeyes star McLaurin.
Tap the brakes here. There are, by our count, presently 75 Buckeyes on NFL rosters ... and a record 14 Ohio State products just got drafted.
We assume Vrabel has a familiarity with all of them ... but that doesn't mean much.
And then one more point from Breer, with a gigantic "if.''
"I do think that New England,'' he said, "will be one of the first teams on the phone if he actually becomes available.''
Of that suggestion, we will not argue. But it will have little to do with him being a Buckeye and it will have nothing to do with the wacky NESN article that triggered this non-story into the mainstream.
It will have everything to do with Washington and McLaurin clashing so violently over the contract that both seek a permanent divorce.
And that is not likely happening.