Will the Washington Commanders’ hand be forced to part ways with the veteran wide receiver, Terry McLaurin? The situation might get uglier, but the organization certainly isn’t there yet.
McLaurin’s status for Washington’s mandatory minicamp is currently unknown. In just a few days, the Commanders will get to work and hope to reunite McLaurin with his star quarterback, Jayden Daniels.
But it might take a new contract agreement before McLaurin dons his Commander helmet once again. Recent reports out of DC have suggested that the veteran wideout remains frustrated with the lack of movement on an extension as he enters his contract year.
If the Commanders find themselves going down a path to potentially trading away McLaurin, one rundown of “couldn’t refuse” trades crafted by Bleacher Report suggests there could be a real pathway to Washington picking up New York Jets running back Breece Hall.
What Could the Jets Give Up?
In this hypothetical, New York parts ways with a 2026 second-round pick and the veteran running back, who was selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Iowa State.
“The Jets are looking for a franchise reset in 2025, with a new coach in Aaron Glenn and a new quarterback in Justin Fields,” writes Kristopher Knox. “Getting off to a fast start would help both Glenn and Fields, and adding McLaurin could help New York do it.”
Is It as Simple as Moving Off of McLaurin for Washington?
Unfortunately, McLaurin isn’t the only player parting ways in this deal. The Commanders would be moving off Austin Ekeler, along with a 2025 fifth-round pick.
The idea is that Washington washes its hands of the drama that could come with a lack of an extension with McLaurin, while keeping the backfield strong and going younger. Then next season, they’ll get an additional chance to pick up a productive rookie with high upside in the second round.
During his first season with the Commanders, Ekeler appeared in 12 games and rushed for 367 yards and four touchdowns. He also caught 35 passes for 366 yards.
As for Hall, he picked up 209 carries for 876 yards and four touchdowns, while catching 57 passes for 483 yards and three scores.
Washington’s backfield would certainly see a boost in this scenario, but losing an All-Pro wideout, who was a major weapon for the young Jayden Daniels last season, could be difficult to overcome.
At the end of the day, Washington shouldn’t drag this out much longer. McLaurin has been productive for the Commanders since setting foot in the building in 2019 and has earned a major payday. The assumption is that McLaurin and the Commanders will get it done.
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