The 10 Most Likely Destinations for Terry McLaurin

Washington Commanders wide receiver and NFL Pro Bowl Terry McLaurin has requested a trade following stalled contract negotiations. RotoBaller analyzes the best potential landing spots.

The 10 Most Likely Destinations for Terry McLaurin

Washington Commanders wide receiver and NFL Pro Bowler Terry McLaurin has requested a trade following stalled contract negotiations. Read ahead, as we list the best potential landing spots for the Washington superstar.

No. 10: Dallas Cowboys

Let’s start this off with a blockbuster. Both NFC East rivals rarely do business together, but this may be the most opportune time for both owners to give each other a call. Both the Cowboys and the Commanders have disgruntled stars who are looking to get paid, and it appears that neither management team is looking to pay them.

This could open the door for the Commanders to send McLaurin and multiple draft picks to acquire superstar edge rusher Micah Parsons. While the Cowboys already acquired a wide receiver in the offseason, McLaurin would become an elite No. 3 option.

No. 9: Cleveland Browns

Terry McLaurin spent his college years with Ohio State and has a perfect path to return to Ohio. Outside of Jerry Jeudy, the Cleveland Browns lack a proven wide receiver. With the Broncos selecting two quarterbacks in this year’s NFL Draft, adding another elite pass catcher for their young signal callers could play a significant role in their development.

No. 8: Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills have fallen short in the AFC playoff race throughout Josh Allen’s tenure as the team’s quarterback. While they have tried to acquire high-end pass catchers like Stefon Diggs, they have been unable to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs. However, Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay has named the Bills a “dark horse” to acquire McLaurin.

In the offseason, the Bills did not add many weapons in the wide receiver room and could be without running back James Cook, as he is also seeking a contract extension.

No. 7: New York Jets

Once the news of McLaurin requesting a trade was made public, the New York Jets were immediately considered heavy favorites to land him on the betting market. According to Jamie Eisner of The Draft Network, the Jets were given +300 odds to land the former Ohio State Buckeye. The Jets would then pair McLaurin with former Ohio State graduates, Garrett Wilson and Justin Fields.

No. 6: New Orleans Saints

Given that both of their top wideouts, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, have dealt with injuries throughout their professional career, adding McLaurin would provide them with another elite pass-catching option.

Even though the Saints are in the midst of a rebuild, McLaurin could give both of their young quarterbacks, Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough, a top-10 pass catcher in case Olave and Shaheed are not at full strength through most of the upcoming season.

No. 5: Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders have built a strong core of younger playmakers, such as tight end Brock Bowers and, recently, running back Ashton Jeanty. While they have a handful of receivers who can produce at times, like Jakobi Meyers, McLaurin would provide this offense with a much-needed true WR1.

If Geno Smith can continue to find his footing with former coach Pete Carroll, McLaurin could push this team into the Wild Card race.

No. 4: Tennessee Titans

What better way to put the No. 1 pick in a position to succeed than by adding McLaurin? The Titans selected former Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the first pick in last year’s draft. During the offseason, they did not address their wide receiver room, which could put Ward in some trouble during his debut season.

With Calvin Ridley leading the room, who should enjoy a productive campaign, McLaurin could put Ward in a spot to find great success in his first season.

No. 3: San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers and the Washington Commanders have already made a trade earlier in the offseason that sent wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the D.C. However, they could be a perfect match to strike another deal, this time with McLaurin. The 49ers are looking to stay in their competitive window but have numerous injuries, including to Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings.

In a potential blockbuster, the Commanders would take on Aiyuk’s contract and other assets in exchange for McLaurin. While the Commanders would take a slight hit in the short term in this deal, when healthy, Aiyuk has flashed immense upside.

No. 2: New England Patriots

One of the keys to acquiring McLaurin is having cap space, and the New England Patriots fit that bill. More importantly, with a young breakout quarterback, Drake Maye, under center, McLaurin could be the missing piece for this offense. During the offseason, the Patriots drafted veteran Stefon Diggs, but he may not be as productive as he is still recovering from a torn ACL and nearing the end of his prime. McLaurin could easily slide in as Maye’s top target in the offense.

The best way to help a young QB develop is to pair him with an elite pass catcher.

No. 1: Washington Commanders

While this may seem anticlimactic, the most plausible destination for the Ohio State wide receiver is Washington, D.C. Even though McLaurin appears to be quite frustrated with the front office, it would be unlikely for the Commanders to trade him. Last season, the Commanders enjoyed the best season in decades as Jayden Daniels led them to the NFC Championship Game.

With Daniels viewed as a budding superstar, the Commanders will ensure that McLaurin does not leave the building.