We look at the latest on the Terry McLaurin trade rumors. Could he join the San Francisco 49ers this season?
There’s nothing like the first week of NFL training camp. Teams are finally back in action, and the drama surrounding star players’ contracts starts to unravel. The Buffalo Bills are in the middle of a contract situation with running back James Cook.
Cook is entering the final year of his contract and is looking for an extension. Currently, the Bills haven’t tried to give Cook a new deal, but it could be because the two sides are far apart on an offer.
The two-time Pro Bowler has supposedly asked for $15 million a season, which is a lot to give to a running back. Luckily, Cook has decided to attend camp and not hold out like other players looking for a new deal around the league.
Terry McLaurin Is Holding Out
One player who has been holding out is Washington Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin. The 29-year-old receiver reported to camp on Sunday, but was placed on the physically unable to perform list.
McLaurin is nearing the end of his three-year, $68 million contract, looking for a new deal. There has been a lot of delay in contract talks, and some of it has to do with McLaurin’s age.
With McLaurin turning 30 at the start of the season, Washington seems hesitant to offer him a long-term contract. 30 is a good age for NFL players to slow down. The Commanders don’t want to give a long-term deal to a player who may be nearing the end of his career.
Last season, the Cleveland Browns faced the same situation with receiver Amari Cooper. Cooper was 30 years old, entering the final year of his contract, and the Browns didn’t want to extend him. Cleveland traded Cooper to the Bills at the trade deadline, and he has yet to be signed this season.
McLaurin could be taking the same path as Cooper by changing teams in a contract season. Instead of trying to keep working out a deal with the Commanders, McLaurin asked for a trade.
The Bills Could Trade For McLaurin
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, McLaurin has requested a trade. Of course, fans of every team will want to see their franchise add him.
One team that should try to see what it takes to get McLaurin is the Bills. Owen Klein from Bills On SI thinks McLaurin could be the “cherry on top” in the offense.
“Buffalo would have to pay a pretty penny to acquire McLaurin, as earlier in May, George Pickens cost a third-round pick to be moved to the Cowboys, and given the former Buckeye’s pedigree, it’s likely he’ll cost more to be traded even though he’s in a contract year,” Klein wrote. “Keon Coleman has looked great in training camp so far, and Josh Palmer has drawn praise from Josh Allen, but one more piece could be the cherry on top of a scrumptious cake that is the Bills’ offense.”
McLaurin, a two-time Pro Bowler, is coming off one of his best seasons, recording 1,096 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.
The Bills should make a call to Washington to see the price for McLaurin, and why not go all in? Buffalo has been knocking on the door of the Super Bowl for the last five seasons. The Bills’ window could be closing soon, so adding McLaurin could put the team over the top.
