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Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay proposed the Pittsburgh Steelers acquire veteran receiver Terry McLaurin from the Washington Commanders.
The Washington Commanders traded running back Brian Robinson to the San Francisco 49ers on Friday. Could Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin be next?
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay certainly considers it a possibility. Kay proposed the Pittsburgh Steelers acquire McLaurin in an effort to further solidify their roster in the short term.
“With Terry McLaurin looking for a new deal to no avail, Washington could soon be forced to trade the veteran wideout if his holdout threatens to drag into the regular season,” wrote Kay.
“The Steelers could capitalize on this situation by sending over an early-Day 2 pick for McLaurin. The team is desperate for pass-catching talent as it prepares to make a single-season push with Aaron Rodgers at the helm and should spare no expense to bolster the superstar QB’s weapons.”
The Commanders could trade McLaurin before the start of the 2025 NFL regular season because of a contract dispute. ESPN’s John Keim reported on July 31 that McLaurin grew so frustrated with contract negotiations that he requested a trade.
The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala reported Wednesday that McLaurin and the Commanders no closer to an agreement.
Could the Steelers Acquire WR Terry McLaurin?
The Steelers traded for DK Metcalf just before the start of NFL free agency in March. That made Metcalf and George Pickens the team’s top two receivers, but the Steelers then traded Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys in May.
Since then, the Steelers have been linked to other receivers on the trade market. While the team acquired tight end Jonnu Smith on June 30, the Steelers haven’t added any new wideouts.
Calvin Austin III is projected to be Pittsburgh’s WR2 to open the season. Robert Woods, Scotty Miller and Roman Wilson are three other receivers that could be significant contributors for the Steelers in 2025.
Woods and Miller are two veterans that have been big producers for contenders in the past while Wilson is trying to rebound from an injury-plagued rookie year.
With McLaurin, though, the Steelers would add a receiver who has posted five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. McLaurin also made second-team All-Pro in 2024.
He registered 82 catches, 1,096 receiving yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns last season.
Why the Steelers Probably Won’t Trade for McLaurin
Kay and other pundits have urged the Steelers to acquire McLaurin because it’s an all-in move. With 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers, it makes sense, on paper, for the Steelers to do as much as possible to win in 2025.
The Steelers have done that with a lot of moves this offseason, including the Smith trade. Veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey also came to Pittsburgh in that deal.
But the organization has to draw the line somewhere.
McLaurin turns 30 years old in September. Jhabvala reported McLaurin is seeking a deal that will pay him more than $30 million.
Actually, the Commanders receiver may want more money than what Metcalf received from the Steelers with his extension.
“One person with knowledge of McLaurin’s contract negotiations said the veteran receiver has asked for more than DK Metcalf, who signed a four-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this year,” wrote Jhabvala.
Jhabvala explained that McLaurin could be trying to get a higher average annual salary than Metcalf’s $33 million. Or, McLaurin may be aiming for more than Metcalf’s $60 million guaranteed.
The Steelers having two receivers paid more than $30 million per season is not a great idea. That’s especially the case with major uncertainty at quarterback beyond 2025.
Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including FanSided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb
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