Terry McLaurin is a Washington Commanders franchise cornerstone. He's been a beacon of positivity as all around him crumbled through the years — and under three different brands. He's also integral to the team's chances of going to the Super Bowl in 2025.
And yet, one NFL analyst thought the Commanders should contemplate the unthinkable where McLaurin's contract standoff is concerned.
The wide receiver is still looking for a new deal that hasn't arrived as yet. Second-year general manager Adam Peters is reluctant to pay him top dollar, and no middle ground has been reached. McLaurin hasn't practiced with his teammates for months, and the stakes were raised with a trade request upon his return to the facility.
NFL analyst inexplicably believes Commanders should put Terry McLaurin on the trade block
Nobody believes the Commanders are seriously entertaining the thought of parting ways with McLaurin. Even so, Kristopher Knox from The Bleacher Report believes Peters should bite the bullet and at least see what he could get back in return.
"[Terry] McLaurin will be a free agent next offseason, and if an extension doesn't seem imminent, the Commanders should go ahead and see what sort of offers they can get in the trade market. If [Jayden] Daniels is really as talented as he seemed to be last season, he'll be able to make do with a receiving core headlined by Deebo Samuel, Noah Brown, Luke McCaffrey, Michael Gallup, Zach Ertz and rookie Jaylin Lane. Whatever draft capital Washington would get in return could be used to add more long-term pieces to the receiving puzzle."
Kristopher Knox
This will inevitably draw fury from fans. They love McLaurin, and the feeling is mutual. The business side is taking over right now, but Peters has never once stated that he doesn't want the former third-round pick to be part of the Commanders' future.
Jeremy Fowler from ESPN revealed that calls have been made about McLaurin's availability. They've been knocked back, and Peters would be wise to keep a similar mindset for as long as this saga goes on.
Otherwise, he'd have a full-blown mutiny on his hands.
The Commanders and McLaurin are still working towards a common goal. Relationships have been strained, but more money will cure all. It's just how much Peters is willing to pay, and which side is going to blink first.
Trading McLaurin is not even a last resort. It's an impossible notion that no fan is seriously considering. Neither is Peters. who'll be all too aware of the potential ramifications if this situation doesn't get resolved successfully.
And the sooner that happens, the better. For everyone involved.
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