Jets Trade Proposal Flips Promising Youngster, Pick for Terry McLaurin

The New York Jets were recently named the betting favorites to trade for Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin.

Moe Moton of Bleacher Report proposed a hypothetical trade package that could make those betting odds a reality.

Jets receive: Terry McLaurin

Commanders receive: Malachi Corley and a 2026 second-round pick

“In his first year as New York Jets general manager, Darren Mougey prioritized the young talent on his roster, signing cornerback Sauce Gardner and wideout Garrett Wilson to massive extensions. Now, he can take an aggressive approach to bolster a weak complementary receiver group behind Wilson,” Moton said.

“Josh Reynolds is projected to be the Jets’ No. 2 receiver. In eight campaigns, he’s caught more than 40 passes in a season once, back in 2020. Reynolds is better suited as the third or fourth option in the passing game,” Moton bluntly explained. “If the Jets want to see quarterback Justin Fields have a career rebirth as a quality starter, they should do their best to surround him with a well-rounded group of receivers. Wilson isn’t enough. McLaurin could propel that unit over the top.”

Reasonable Price for a Standout Player

The old regime fell in love with Corley during the 2024 pre-draft process. That regime was fired months ago.

A new regime has taken over, which means the scholarship is over for Corley. He has a path to make some noise in a less heralded wide receiver room in training camp, but this new regime doesn’t owe him anything.

“The Jets’ new regime didn’t invest in Malachi Corley; it inherited him. Keep in mind that the team selected Arian Smith in the fourth round of this year’s draft. If Washington wants a young receiver with potential in a trade deal, Corley could be available to them,” Moton explained.

To Moton’s point, the Jets have their own pet project in Smith. Do they need two with Corley? Perhaps a fresh start could be in the best interest of everyone ahead of the season.

A future second-round pick and an unproven receiver for a former All-Pro? Sounds like a great deal for the Jets.

Contract Situation With McLaurin

The former Ohio State product only has one year left on his $68.36 million contract. This year, he is scheduled to count $25.5 million against the cap, but he only has a $15.5 million base salary for 2025.

The only problem is McLaurin wants a big-money new deal, which is the root of his issues with Washington.

In other words, whoever trades for McLaurin would have to work out a long-term deal. If they didn’t, the Jets could run into another Haason Reddick situation.

Gang Green traded for Reddick last offseason, knowing a contract situation would have to be addressed. Despite knowing that something had to be done, the Jets failed to take action, which led to a drama-filled offseason and an extended holdout into the regular season.

Put Money Where Your Mouth Is

The Jets believe Justin Fields has untapped potential.

NFL Network’s Judy Battista told me on “Boy Green Daily” that despite any outside noise, the Jets staff believes that.

If that’s true, then a McLaurin potential trade makes sense. They are both former Ohio State guys. The more talent the Jets have on offense, the better it’ll be for Fields. It would open things up for Wilson, the Jets’ top wideout.

McLaurin has recorded five straight seasons of 77 plus receptions, 1,000 plus receiving yards, and at least four touchdown catches.