While the two sides are still at a standstill in the contract negotiations, Washington Commanders star wide receiver Terry McLaurin will likely holdout this upcoming season. According to a report, the Commanders aren’t going to pay McLaurin based on his past performance, and if that’s true, it’s a huge blow to what he is looking for in his next deal. Originally selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Ohio State product has probably been the most productive pass-catcher for the Commanders despite the losing seasons before the Jayden Daniels era. McLaurin has been loyal to the team, and it feels like they haven’t been showing the same energy.
With that, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if McLaurin winds up sitting on the bench come Week 1. It seems like the Commanders are wary of giving a pass-catcher who is soon to be entering his 30s a long-term deal. This applies to pretty much every receiver out there in the market, as Tyreek Hill is the oldest player in the league, signed a new deal to stay in Miami. Even though there have been some positives that a contract could come through for McLaurin, everyone should expect him to fire up the trade market next month if there hasn’t been an agreement by then with the Commanders.
Top NFL Weapon Terry McLaurin Likely to Holdout This 2025 Season – 4 Potential Destinations
Best Fits
Los Angeles Chargers
Despite bringing back Keenan Allen to Los Angeles, the Chargers still need some type of star power for Justin Herbert’s offense. They can’t afford to go backwards and lean on Allen to be a capable weapon in the postseason when they have the cap space to afford a top trade candidate like McLaurin. Calm down, keyboard warriors, Allen isn’t the worst of the worst, but when you have the money to spend on superstars, the Chargers should’ve taken advantage. Despite that, 2024 draft pick Ladd McConkey is most likely the only weapon that is versatile for this season since KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Tre Harris are still adjusting to the league.
Quentin Johnston is on the hot seat entering the 2025 campaign, so all of this makes sense for the Chargers to pursue McLaurin in a possible trade.
Baltimore Ravens
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens have one of the most dangerous wide receiver packs in the league after signing DeAndre Hopkins this offseason. Between Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, quarterback Lamar Jackson has a lot of targets to hit as soon as the regular season begins next month. However, why not get another superstar wideout that’s on his last year in his deal to strengthen the roster further? McLaurin has the hands and size to be his own reliable WR1 next to Flowers.
Kansas City Chiefs
However, the Kansas City Chiefs will luckily have Rashee Rice for at least the first four weeks of this year’s regular season, pending a suspension. Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown are solid contributors, so they should add another fiery weapon like McLaurin to give Patrick Mahomes a fighting chance in game-changing moments. McLaurin could put the Chiefs back in the Super Bowl, where he has a chance to win his first ring for the time after going through years of mediocrity.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are still searching for a WR2 to help alongside DK Metcalf. They can’t afford to lean on Calvin Austin and Roman Wilson during the postseason (if they get there) while relying on Robert Woods and Scotty Miller to save the aerial attack for Aaron Rodgers. McLaurin’s presence should give them enough insurance.
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