The Washington Commanders and Terry McLaurin have hit a wall in contract negotiations. The Pro Bowl wide receiver is holding in at training camp—showing up but not participating in practice.
McLaurin recently requested a trade.
The Commanders have publicly stated they won’t trade McLaurin. But in the NFL, “never” rarely means never. If this standoff continues, a preseason trade remains possible.
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton outlined five possible trade packages for McLaurin. The most compelling option? A reunion in New York with former Ohio State teammates Garrett Wilson and Justin Fields on the Jets.
Moton’s proposal would send McLaurin to the Jets 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. Now, he can take an aggressive approach to bolster a weak complementary receiver group behind Wilson.”
This move wouldn’t just add talent. It could give Fields a real shot at winning the starting job over veteran Tyrod Taylor.
The Jets have made it clear they’re giving Fields every opportunity to compete. Surrounding him with proven weapons could make the difference.
Josh Reynolds is projected to start opposite Wilson. He’s a solid veteran, but Reynolds has topped 40 catches in a season only once—back in 2020. As Moton notes, 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, 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.”
The Jets selected receiver Arian Smith in the fourth round this year. That makes Corley more expendable, especially since he wasn’t drafted by the current regime.
“The Jets’ new regime didn’t invest in Malachi Corley; it inherited him. If Washington wants a young receiver with potential in a trade deal, Corley could be available to them.”
The Jets have a win-now defense and an offensive core featuring Fields, Breece Hall, Wilson, and Mason Taylor. They might be just one elite weapon away from contending in the AFC.
If the Commanders ultimately decide McLaurin isn’t part of their long-term plans, New York could be the team best positioned to make a move happen.
