The Patriots’ long-running search for a proven wideout to pair with second-year quarterback Drake Maye culminated in a three-year, $69MM deal for Stefon Diggs in March. Despite having Diggs in the fold, New England would be in the market for another accomplished pass catcher if he becomes available.
That pass catcher is Commanders WR Terry McLaurin, who is entering the final year of his current contract and who is seeking an extension from Washington. The Ohio State product has expressed frustration with the lack of progress in that regard, and he recently indicated no talks have taken place in the last month.
In a recent appearance on Arbella Early Edition (video link), Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer confirms there have not been many recent discussions between the Commanders and McLaurin’s camp. He does expect the team to “take a swing” at resolving the matter in short order, but if McLaurin were to become available via trade, Breer says the Patriots would be interested.
McLaurin, who is entering his age-30 season, has been a model of consistency for Washington since entering the league as a third-round pick in 2019. Following a 14-game rookie slate in which he recorded 919 yards and seven scores, he has exceeded the 1,000-yard threshold in each of the last five seasons and has enjoyed perfect attendance in each of the last four. He also upped his touchdown production in 2024, finding paydirt a career-high 13 times with Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels under center.
Washington’s Daniels-led outfit is coming off an NFC Championship Game appearance, and given McLaurin’s importance to the team, a trade would qualify as a major surprise. It is nonetheless notable that New England would consider adding the two-time Pro Bowler, which would require trading draft capital and authorizing a lucrative new deal.
With over $60MM in cap space and a rookie-contract QB, the Pats could certainly afford such a move from a financial perspective. And, while Diggs and the team have seemingly moved beyond an offseason incident that momentarily triggered release rumors, he will turn 32 in November and is still working his way back from a torn ACL that prematurely ended his 2024 campaign (though he did avoid placement on the PUP list to start training camp).
Another new addition to the WR room, Mack Hollins, did land on the active/PUP list, and outside of promising slot target DeMario Douglas, the rest of the depth chart is comprised of unproven and/or uninspiring options. Between that reality and McLaurin’s blend of strong performance and strong character – an important trait for head coach Mike Vrabel – it is easy to see the appeal in a possible trade.
Still, it is a big jump from stalled extension talks to the trade of a franchise cornerstone. It remains to be seen if the Commanders will seriously entertain that notion.