Browns Named Potential Landing Spot for Disgruntled All-Pro WR

There’s a plethora of different teams that could potentially seek a trade for Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin this preseason. As unlikely as it sounds, the Cleveland Browns could be one of them.

At least that’s what NFL.com’s Nick Shook argued Thursday night. Shook named the Browns one of six teams that “could pursue” a McLaurin trade.

“Any deal for McLaurin would likely include a previously agreed-upon extension, which would theoretically eliminate Cleveland — a team that is staring at a $36.4 million cap deficit in 2026 — from consideration,” Shook wrote. “But beyond 2026, the Browns have $129 million in effective space to work with, which they could utilize by backloading McLaurin’s deal and pushing out his cap hit into 2027.

“But is it worth it? McLaurin turns 30 in September and without a clear top option under center, the Browns aren’t expected to contend in 2025 (or perhaps even 2026). On the other hand, the Browns desperately need another quality receiver opposite Jerry Jeudy, who is operating on an island of isolation in Cleveland this season (unless Diontae Johnson generates a renaissance season).

“Cleveland’s coaching staff and front office members are also working for their jobs this year, and if the best lineup they can assemble for 40-year-old Joe Flacco includes Jeudy and McLaurin, they’ll have a much better chance of success than if it’s just Jeudy and Johnson. On paper, it makes plenty of sense.”

Terry McLaurin Requests Trade From Commanders

McLaurin was already the subject of some trade rumors prior to Thursday night. But those rumors are about to swirl.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Thursday the veteran receiver requested to be trade in light of stalled contract negotiations with the Commanders.

McLaurin held out for the first four days of training camp. He then showed up to camp Sunday but reportedly became a “hold-in” instead of a hold out. That hasn’t motivated the Commanders to move their position, though, in contract negotiations.

The 29-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the regular season.

The Commanders and McLaurin agreed to a three-year extension ahead of the 2022 campaign. That extension came during the summer when the receiver had one year remaining on his contract.

Another deal for McLaurin this summer is more than realistic. But the receiver doesn’t appear to see negotiations going in the right direction.

Could Browns Pursue McLaurin Trade?

Pundits are likely to connect McLaurin to a lot of different teams through trade rumors over the next few days. The Browns probably aren’t going to be one of the more popular rumored destinations.

Even Shook had his doubts. He concluded his analysis writing that McLaurin doesn’t make a lot of sense for the Browns’ “long-term planning.”

But if Cleveland has more urgency to win now than expected, McLaurin could make a lot of sense. As Shook explained, the Browns need another receiver to play opposite Jerry Jeudy.

McLaurin made second-team All-Pro last season with 82 catches, 1,096 receiving yards and a career-best 13 touchdowns. He also went to the Pro Bowl for a second time. McLaurin earned a Pro Bowl nomination during 2022 as well.

Over the past five seasons, the Commanders receiver has averaged 80 receptions, 1,092 receiving yards and six touchdowns per season. He has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark every year since his rookie campaign.

If the Browns are serious about adding an expensive, veteran receiver, they could make a trade for McLaurin work.