Commanders trade prediction sends Terry McLaurin to Patriots in bargain deal

Commanders trade prediction sends Terry McLaurin to Patriots in bargain deal originally appeared on The Sporting News

Terry McLaurin wants out of the Washington Commanders after the wide receiver requested a trade last week. As a result, there will be no shortage of teams interested in having a wideout who has recorded five straight seasons of over 1,000 receiving yards.

On Monday, The Athletic analyzed five teams that could make a move for McLaurin, including the New England Patriots. Over the offseason, the Patriots brought back Josh McDaniels to be the offensive coordinator again while adding Stefon Diggs as a No. 1 target for Drake Maye.

Nonetheless, New England could add another veteran receiver in McLaurin to give Maye another weapon, so the 22-year-old takes the next step in his development. So, what could the Patriots offer Washington? Here’s what The Athletic suggested:

Patriots get: McLaurin

Commanders get: 2027 third-round pick

“The Patriots are an obvious option when any player is on the trade block, considering the roster needs improving and they have the most cap space in the NFL,” Chad Graff of The Athletic wrote.

“That said, a trade for McLaurin seems a bit unlikely for them. If this were before the draft, they probably would’ve been quite interested. But with Stefon Diggs now in the fold, if you add McLaurin, you risk boxing out third-round pick Kyle Williams, limiting his playing time and development.

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“Additionally, a move for McLaurin, who turns 30 soon, might make more sense for a team with an open championship window. The Patriots are still rebuilding and might have better use for their ample cap space next offseason rather than chasing a 30-year-old receiver when they’re still a few years from seriously competing.”

Last season, McLaurin recorded a career high in touchdowns with 13, the most since his rookie season when he grabbed seven. Moreover, it was the two-time Pro Bowler’s fifth consecutive season with over 1,000 yards receiving, so he's been a steady and reliable target over half a decade.  

The Ohio St. product was also productive with Jayden Daniels, who was a rookie, so perhaps the Patriots could see that McLaurin has the characteristics to work with a young quarterback and would fit in with Maye.