The Washington Commanders acquired Deebo Samuel in a trade earlier this offseason, strengthening the wide receiver room for second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels. However, it now appears Daniels may be without one of the most reliable weapons in that group. Terry McLaurin’s situation has become one of the most intriguing storylines to watch this offseason. In June, reports surfaced that he was growing frustrated with the lack of progress on a contract extension.
“All-Pro WR Terry McLaurin has made it clear to the team that he’s frustrated with the lack of progress on a long-term deal. As I previously reported, McLaurin unexpectedly left voluntary workouts after initially attending, and it remains to be seen whether he’ll report for mandatory minicamp,” NFL Insider Jordan Schultz wrote.
Although McLaurin initially held out of training camp, he eventually chose to report. However, he was then placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
“McLaurin became a hold-in and was placed on the physically unable to perform list with an apparent ankle injury suffered last season, though he participated in spring workouts. By reporting, McLaurin could no longer be fined $50,000 per day,” ESPN’s John Keim wrote.
Considering everything McLaurin has accomplished in his career, it’s questionable why the Commanders haven’t prioritized securing him with a long-term deal. CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin has listed the Kansas City Chiefs as a potential landing spot following McLaurin’s reported trade request.
“The reigning AFC champions aren't flush with extra cap space, and they've preferred to dig through the bargain bin to outfit Patrick Mahomes' receiving corps, throwing draft-pick darts and rental deals on guys like Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Marquise Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster. With at least three of those receivers already hurt or still recovering from injury, might Andy Reid and Brett Veach look to make a splash for a readymade weapon? You can bet Mahomes wouldn't turn this down,” Benjamin wrote.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
A move like this would likely put the Chiefs back on top of the NFL. Mahomes has consistently thrived with dynamic, dependable targets—something McLaurin certainly is. If traded to Kansas City, McLaurin would instantly upgrade the receiving corps and would likely become Mahomes’ primary target from the start.