Chiefs Urged to ‘Make a Splash’ & Trade for Disgruntled All-Pro WR

Terry McLaurin has long been one of the NFL’s most underrated wide receivers, but he’s currently making headlines for something else.

The Washington Commanders wideout has requested a trade following stalled contract talks, and it’s fair to call his timing calculated. Coming off a career year in 2024, McLaurin knows his value is at an all-time high.

If the Commanders do open the door to a trade — and that’s unlikely — Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports named the Kansas City Chiefs as a top trade partner.

The defending champs are in need of receiver help, especially with Rashee Rice facing a likely suspension. Xavier Worthy remains a solid option for Patrick Mahomes, but McLaurin would give Kansas City its most reliable WR since Tyreek Hill. Let’s discuss.

McLaurin Has Had 5 Straight 1,000-Yard Seasons

“The reigning AFC champions aren’t flush with extra cap space, and they’ve preferred to dig through the bargain bin to outfit Patrick Mahomes’ receiving corps, throwing draft-pick darts and rental deals on guys like Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Marquise Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster,” Benjamin wrote on July 31.

“With at least three of those receivers already hurt or still recovering from injury, might Andy Reid and Brett Veach look to make a splash for a readymade weapon? You can bet Mahomes wouldn’t turn this down; he’s admitted he’d like to bring the downfield ball back into the Chiefs’ attack.”

Since entering the NFL in 2019 as a third-round pick out of Ohio State, McLaurin has been a model of consistency in the face of chaos. Playing with more than 10 starting quarterbacks during his tenure with Washington—he caught passes from Taylor Heinicke, Carson Wentz and Sam Howell, among others—McLaurin has somehow managed to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards in five straight seasons. That’s beyond impressive.

The 2024 season marked McLaurin’s official breakout on the national stage. He set career highs in catch percentage (70%) and TD grabs (13), leading all Washington pass-catchers and breaking the franchise’s single-season touchdown record in the process.

The veteran WR also caught 82 passes for 1,096 yards and was a central figure in the Commanders’ playoff run, scoring in all three postseason games and finishing the year with over 1,400 total yards. He earned his second Pro Bowl nod and was named a second-team All-Pro.

That breakout is part of why McLaurin’s recent trade request has become such a hot topic. According to ESPN, he’s seeking an extension worth upwards of $30 million per year, well above his current $19.9 million cap hit in 2025.

Why the Chiefs Should Absolutely Try to Trade for WR Terry McLaurin

According to Over the Cap, Kansas City has just under $17 million in avbailable cap to work with, so if Veach and company wanted to add him — and they certainly should — they’ll have to get a little creative fiscally.

McLaurin would be a near-perfect fit for Kansas City’s system. He wins with precision and toughness, and he’s wicked on deep routes. There’s no doubt he would thrive in Andy Reid’s vertical passing game. His ability to create separation and dominate in contested catch situations would immediately make him Mahomes’ most trusted target outside of Travis Kelce.

With the Chiefs still figuring out their long-term WR1 solution, McLaurin would offer a high-floor, low-risk upgrade—even if it costs a second-round pick or more. Washington probably won’t pull the trigger because he’s too valuable, but Kansas City would be wise to pounce if the opportunity arises. In a wide-open AFC, an addition like McLaurin could be the difference between another ring and another almost.