The Washington Commanders’ future remains unsettled amid Terry McLaurin’s contract stalemate.
Under contract for 2025, the two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver has been clear about wanting more progress from the Commanders on a new deal that reflects the market at his position.
His current ($68.4 million extension signed in 2022) now ranks 20th, per Spotrac.
After requesting a trade last week, there continues to be no serious movement on a possible agreement to bring back the team’s WR1.
The Commanders have reportedly shown no interest in trading McLaurin, but the ball sits in their court as speculation and rumors heat up.
The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo floated a trade proposal on Monday that could potentially work for each party involved.
Commanders-Steelers Trade
For the Steelers to acquire McLaurin, they would reportedly offer a package that includes a 2026 third-round pick and wide receiver Roman Wilson. The Commanders would be getting a long-term option for Jayden Daniels at age 23, and another valuable draft selection to keep building.
“McLaurin would be an instant and massive upgrade, signaling the Steelers really are “all in” for Rodgers, per DeFabo. The veteran WR also could help at the beginning of a rookie QB window on a short, two-year extension worth $30 million per year. At the same time, a move of this magnitude would also require some salary-cap gymnastics.”
Wilson, who Pittsburgh selected in the third round the 2024 NFL Draft, is a promising talent who is essentially going into his first campaign after just one appearance as a rookie. That said, his training camp thus far has left a lot to be desired, according to Steelers insiders.
“You look at Roman Wilson, and the two most noticeable reps that he’s had have been missed connections with Aaron Rodgers,” DeFabo said via 93.7 The Fan’s Pomp and Joe Show on Monday. “You were really looking for Roman to step up this year and to take that big step forward in Year 2 develop early chemistry with Aaron Rodgers. So far I’ve seen none of that.”
McLaurin joining forces with DK Metcalf would make a ton of sense — for the Steelers with their all-in mantra. On the other side of the deal, Washington may not share the same interest. They’re high on fourth-round rookie Jaylin Lane, and the franchise appears ready to develop him in the same role that Wilson would occupy if a trade would get done.
Will McLaurin Be Traded?
While there’s still a belief that McLaurin will be in the offense this season, the signs throughout the offseason have pointed to the contrary. He skipped Commanders’ mandatory camp in June, and has been on the PUP list since July 27.
The six-year veteran has recorded 1,000-plus receiving yards in every season, other than as a rookie when he fell just shy with 919 in 14 appearances. He hauled in 13 touchdowns — shattering his previous career-high of seven. And his rapport with Daniels is what helped inspire their unexpected NFC title appearance.
McLaurin will be 30 in September, and the Commanders want him along for their redemption ride. They’re trying to dethrone the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East, and removing Daniels’ best target would be a clear setback. But each day without moving towards a deal adds pressure — with options remaining on the table.
