Based on the moves they've made this offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers are clearly going for it in 2025, which is why they should inquire about a trade for Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
McLaurin is looking for a new contract from the Commanders, but the two sides have been unable to get something done. As a result, McLaurin is reportedly looking to be traded if he doesn't get what he wants.
In the wake of that news, For The Win's Cory Woodroof has proposed a trade for the Steelers that sees them land McLaurin for a player and a draft pick. Here's the proposal from Woodroof:
- Steelers get: WR Terry McLaurin
- Commanders get: WR Calvin Austin, 2026 third-round pick
"With the Steelers going all in on quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2025, it wouldn't be a shock to see Pittsburgh just throw caution to the wind and pay another receiver a lot of money," Woodroof wrote. Sure, it might not be in the franchise's best long-term interests to do this, but the Steelers are operating right now like the long term isn't really a big concern.
"Pairing McLaurin with DK Metcalf would be a ridiculous one-two punch to give Rodgers for the 2025 season (and whoever follows him at quarterback in 2026 and beyond)," he added. "This might not be smart for the long haul, but this franchise has pushed all the chips in on the season ahead. Structure the contact right, add a player like wide receiver Calvin Austin III to the trade package and the Steelers can absolutely make it work."
The Steelers traded for DK Metcalf earlier this offseason, which finally gave the team the wide receiver upgrade it needed. However, the Steelers put themselves right back in the same boat they were in during the 2024 season after trading George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys.
Pittsburgh has since added tight end Jonnu Smith, who is a good playmaker for his position, but that didn't do anything to erase Pittsburgh's shaky situation at wide receiver.
Calvin Austin, Robert Woods and Roman Wilson are all vying to be the No. 2 wide receiver, but Austin has just one good year under his belt, Woods isn't the same player he once was and Wilson is totally unproven after an injury-plagued first season in the NFL.
McLaurin would instantly give the Steelers an upgrade and one of the more lethal one-two punches in the NFL when combined with DK Metcalf.
Not only has McLaurin posted five 1,000-yard seasons in a row, he has done so despite shoddy quarterback play for much of his career before Jayden Daniels exploded onto the scene in 2024.
The problem, however, is the Steelers might be hesitant to trade for McLaurin given the financial commitment that will be needed.
McLaurin is reportedly looking for an extension that pays him north of $30 million per year. According to Over The Cap, the Steelers are in a decent position to afford that, but it remains to be seen if they're willing to pay two wide receivers big bucks when you include Metcalf's contract.
Not to mention, McLaurin is turning 30 in September, which could also cause the Steelers to balk. Reports suggest that's a sticking point for Washington.
All that said, the Steelers are in win-now mode and can't worry too much about the future. McLaurin would make the Steelers' offense better right now and would improve their chances of competing in a tough conference and division.
If the Steelers are serious about competing this season, adding an upgrade like McLaurin should definitely be on the table and we'd happily bring him in for Woodroof's suggested package.
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