The Pittsburgh Steelers have been marred in rumors for superstar Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin after his trade request out of the organization.
According to Mike DeFabo of the Athletic, the cost could be a draft pick plus a player. He used Roman Wilson and a third-round pick as a prop package, but it’s possible it could be more expensive, with a second-round pick going back, plus handing McLaurin a $30 million plus extension.
“If the Steelers want to give Aaron Rodgers the best chance to make a run in what could be his final season, the biggest bet they could make would be a dynamic receiving threat behind DK Metcalf,” DeFabo wrote. “For more than a year, there have been questions surrounding the WR2 position. Right now, the team seems interested in seeing how two receivers on rookie contracts — Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson — fill that role. McLaurin would be an instant and massive upgrade, signaling the Steelers really are ‘all in’ for Rodgers.”
However, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Commanders have shown no interest in trading McLaurin, who is still their star wide receiver and the life of their passing game.
McLaurin, 29, seeks a deal reportedly larger than the Steelers’ $33 million per year for DK Metcalf, which would place him among the Top-5 highest-paid wide receivers.
The two-time Pro Bowler went over 1000 yards last year in 17 games, showing out once again. Outside of his rookie season, McLaurin has gone over 1000 yards in each season, showcasing durability and his consistency.
In years past, players like Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk have requested trades but ended up landing contracts. McLaurin is simply following that playbook. Last week, before reporting, McLaurin said he was ‘disappointed’ that negotiations had not gone as smoothly as he believed they would.
