Terry McLaurin wants out of Washington — and one trade pitch would send him to an AFC team loaded with familiar faces. A reunion with two former Ohio State stars could give this offense the spark it desperately needs.
The Washington Commanders and Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin appear to be at a standstill in contract negotiations. McLaurin is currently holding in—he’s showing up to camp but not participating—and recently requested a trade.
The Commanders have publicly stated they have no interest in trading McLaurin, but in the NFL, “never” rarely means never. If the standoff drags on, a preseason trade can't be ruled out.
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton seems to agree.
In a recent piece, Moton outlined five possible trade packages for McLaurin. The most intriguing? A reunion in New York—with former Ohio State teammates Garrett Wilson and Justin Fields on the Jets.
Moton’s hypothetical deal would send McLaurin to the Jets in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick and wide receiver Malachi Corley.
“In his first year as New York Jets general manager, Darren Mougey prioritized the young talent on his roster, signing cornerback Sauce Gardner and wideout Garrett Wilson to massive extensions,” Moton wrote. “Now, he can take an aggressive approach to bolster a weak complementary receiver group behind Wilson.”
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But a move like this wouldn't just be about adding talent. It could also be about giving Fields a real shot to win the starting job. The Jets have made it clear they’re giving Fields every opportunity to beat out veteran Tyrod Taylor.
Surrounding him with more proven weapons could go a long way in helping that happen.
Right now, Josh Reynolds is projected to start opposite Wilson. He’s a solid veteran, but Reynolds has only topped 40 catches in a season once—in 2020. As Moton points out, he's better suited as a third or fourth option.
“If the Jets want to see quarterback Justin Fields have a career rebirth as a quality starter,” Moton wrote, “they should do their best to surround him with a well-rounded group of receivers. Wilson isn’t enough. McLaurin could propel that unit over the top.”
And Corley? While he’s got upside, he wasn’t drafted by this regime. The Jets just took another receiver—Arian Smith—in the fourth round this year, making Corley more expendable.
“The Jets’ new regime didn’t invest in Malachi Corley; it inherited him,” Moton wrote. “If Washington wants a young receiver with potential in a trade deal, Corley could be available to them.”
With a win-now defense and an offensive core that includes Fields, Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, and Mason Taylor, the Jets could be just one elite weapon away from making real noise in the AFC.
If the Commanders ultimately decide McLaurin isn’t part of their long-term plans, New York might be the team best positioned to make a move.
Category: General Sports
