Though the 2025 NFL regular season is closing in, there are still some big names around the league who could get traded. The Washington Commanders don’t want to trade wide receiver Terry McLaurin, but he wants a new contract, and he’s willing to hold out to get it.
The Commanders are coming off one of their best seasons in decades, and McLaurin was a big reason for that. He’s a two-time Pro Bowler and was named Second-Team All-Pro last season. He’s on an expiring deal, so it’s understandable why he wants an extension. The Commanders aren’t paying Jayden Daniels big money yet, so now’s the time to pay players like McLaurin.
However, they may decide that it’s better to add assets instead of paying big money to a wide receiver. The Las Vegas Raiders are a team that doesn’t have a true No. 1 wide receiver. David Helman of Fox Sports thinks they’d be the perfect fit for McLaurin.
“To be clear: I’m incredibly confident Terry McLaurin will remain a Commander,” Helman wrote. “He’s been loyal to that franchise, even when times weren’t so good. He’s done nothing but produce, even when he didn’t have a star quarterback. He’s even held out before, as he used this strategy to secure his current extension back in 2022. I really don’t think Washington will let him walk when it finally has a chance to contend.
“But if I’m dreaming up a perfect landing spot for McLaurin, Vegas really sounds fun. Talk about a big swing for a team that hasn’t had a lot to get excited about. The Raiders are already in decent shape for Geno Smith’s first season. Brock Bowers is a star, and Ashton Jeanty should be one soon. Jakobi Meyers is a solid receiver, but Vegas still needs to upgrade its receiver room. Rather than take your chances in the draft, why not ship a pick or two to Washington and lock in McLaurin for the rest of his prime? Make fun of me if you want, but a Raiders skill group of McLaurin, Bowers, Jeanty and Meyers might be the best in the AFC West.”
What Is McLaurin’s Trade Value?
McLaurin is a very good wide receiver, but he’s not in the same tier as Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase or AJ Brown. He’s probably not going to get the Commanders a first-round pick. DK Metcalf was recently traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a second-round pick, and that’s likely what McLaurin’s value would be, considering he needs a new contract.
If the Raiders think that a player like McLaurin could unlock the offense, a second-round pick isn’t too steep a price to pay.
Do the Raiders Really Need to Trade for a WR?
On paper, the Raiders could certainly use another veteran wide receiver. Meyers is a very good No. 2, but he’s not a No. 1.
However, the Raiders don’t necessarily need to trade for a player like McLaurin right now. Early signs are that fourth-round pick Dont’e Thornton might be ready to make an impact as a rookie, and the team also used a second-round pick on Jack Bech. That’s not to mention that Bowers is essentially their top receiving option despite being a tight end.
McLaurin would be a great fit, but the Raiders don’t need to make a move if they like the pieces they have.
