Ideas about the Washington Commanders trading wide receiver Terry McLaurin are like noses.
Everybody's got one. And they all smell.
McLaurin is coming off a career-best season in 2024, having earned second-team All-Pro honors and his second Pro Bowl nod after catching 13 touchdowns - the second most in the NFL.
Based on his past, his present and his future?
Add it up and it rightfully suggests that McLaurin get compensated with a top-tier salary on his upcoming contract extension ... as the Commanders are taking their time getting around to a deal, causing him to stage an OTAs holdout.
McLaurin is now "frustrated with the lack of progress" on a long-term extension. He will enter his seventh season with the organization in 2025, but as he's in the final year of his current contract, the star receiver could be traded if his relationship with the team continues to go south.
Or ...
Well, let's do the trade junk first.
National outlets are creating ... well, right around 31 different trade landing spots here. One site said its proposals are packages that Washington - "The Godfather-style'' - "couldn't refuse" if they came calling.
So here come ideas of second-round picks and washed-out backups and disgruntled citizens.
Factually? A first-round pick for McLaurin would work, except for one problem: The Commanders are fully equipped to load up for a Super Bowl run now. ... and a 2026 pick doesn't help that cause.
McLaurin does.
So ... pay him.
And now?
Our NFL insider Mike Fisher suggests a three-year deal totaling $100 million.
"At $33 million per year or so, he moves into the territory of D.K. Metcalf (Steelers) and A.J. Brown (Eagles),'' Fish writes. "McLaurin is 29, so he should be able to play out the deal ... but the contract would have escapability later just in case.
"Is it a bit high? Maybe ... but a year from now, it won't be.''
So here, Washington would be making a wise decision in paying their All-Pro in a way that puts him ahead of the game ...
And keeps them in the running for a chance at playing in The Big Game, period.
