One proposal suggests a trade between Washington and Buffalo "could be a win-win situation.'' That idea: Buffalo gets Terry McLaurin in exchange for a second-round and fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft pick.
It's not that some of the national media trade predictions involving Terry McLaurin lack a foundation in reality; there are some proposals that are actually "fair.''
And yet ... there is still no reason for the Washington Commanders to bite.
Take the latest speculation as it involves the Buffalo Bills and their Josh Allen-led offense. That's a 30-points machine ... and it was (and will be again, probably) accomplished without a traditional "WR1.''
So naturally, in Buffalo, there is reason to search for help beyond Khalil Shakir, Joshua Palmer and second-year pro Keon Coleman.
Now to Washington.
The talented McLaurin is in the midst of a contract battle with the Commanders, the only team he has ever known in his six NFL seasons. He's been a good soldier and a fine player and is coming off his best year yet, earning All-Pro honors after catching 13 touchdowns.
And he wants a contract extension - probably in the $30 million per year range - and has therefore been a minicamp holdout.
One proposal suggests a trade between Washington and Buffalo "could be a win-win situation.'' That idea: Buffalo gets McLaurin in exchange for a second-round and fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft pick.
For the Bills? That's Buffalo giving up draft capital to push for a Super Bowl now.
Sensible.
For the Commanders? "Fair'' isn't good enough, and here's why: The Jayden Daniels Era Window is open, and the same "win-now approach'' that exists in Buffalo should exist here. The Commanders - one win away from The Big Game a year ago - greatly lessen their chances of making a Super Bowl if they strip themselves of one of their best players.
A McLaurin-less roster violates this team's Super Bowl plan.
If Washington were something less than a true contender? There could be sense to building for the future. But there's an old saying in Washington, and it very much applies to why McLaurin must be signed, not dealt.
"The Future is Now.''
