The Washington Commanders have a problem quietly brewing in their wide receiver room. If the same trend continues, it could provoke general manager Adam Peters into drastic action before Week 1 against the New York Giants arrives.
Second-team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler Terry McLaurin's contract battle remains at the forefront. The wide receiver and Washington haven't found any middle ground on an extension as yet. Not even his trade request moved the needle, although the wideout and Peters remain on speaking terms based on their recent conversation at practice.
Washington's pass-catchers have found life difficult over the last two weeks. The dynamic has changed without McLaurin, and the lack of consistency during joint practice and the preseason game against the New England Patriots brought this firmly under the microscope.
Ideally, McLaurin will get back onto the field sooner rather than later. He is the franchise cornerstone — the alpha who makes everyone better. But make no mistake, Peters is going to be watching how others perform closely in the coming weeks.
Scouring the waiver wire for reinforcements is possible. The Commanders have maxed out their tradable assets throughout the offseason, but Peters is in win-now mode. If he can strike a deal for a pick swap or late-rounder, that changes the landscape considerably.
With this in mind, here are five wide receiver trades the Commanders must consider as their depth continues to unravel.
Wide receiver trades Commanders must consider as depth continues to unravel
Commanders could trade for Kendrick Bourne
This would have to be the right trade at the right price. Adam Peters hasn't dismissed anything, but acquiring Marshon Lattimore, Deebo Samuel Sr., and five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil makes it much more difficult.
That doesn't mean Peters won't try if the correct opportunity presents itself. And the front-office leader might turn to someone he knows well from a previous stop.
According to reports, Kendrick Bourne is being phased out of the New England Patriots' offense. Injuries have stunted his production over the last two seasons, and it seems like new head coach Mike Vrabel prefers others.
Peters was part of the brain trust that identified the wideout as an undrafted free agent target with the San Francisco 49ers. Therefore, he could decide to get involved if the AFC East club makes him available.
This will cost almost nothing. But if Bourne can stay healthy, he could be another useful, experienced addition to the Commanders' passing attack.