This is not what the Washington Commanders want to deal with after coming off a surprising NFC Championship appearance. Two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin has requested a trade as negotiations for a long-term contract have reached an impasse, according to NFL reporter Jordan Schultz.
BREAKING: #Commanders All-Pro WR Terry McLaurin has requested a trade, multiple sources tell me. pic.twitter.com/DQ33B2I6oi
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) July 31, 2025
McLaurin, entering the final year of his three-year, $68.3 million deal, posted his fifth consecutive 1,000-receiving-yard season in 2024 with 1,086 yards, 82 receptions and a career-high 13 touchdowns. He served as Jayden Daniels’ favorite target as the duo helped lead Washington to a 12-5 record.
The star receiver wants to become one of the highest-paid at his position after currently ranking 17th at $22.8 million annually. According to The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov, the Commanders aren’t comfortable paying McLaurin at the level of receivers like Amon-Ra St. Brown, A.J. Brown and Garrett Wilson.
“The league-wide belief is that Terry McLaurin has been seeking at least $30 million per season — and the Washington Commanders just haven’t been willing to meet that number,” Meirov posted on X.
The league-wide belief is that Terry McLaurin has been seeking at least $30 million per season — and the Washington Commanders just haven’t been willing to meet that number. https://t.co/WwszAXcNQw
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 31, 2025
However, trading McLaurin would contradict Washington’s offseason approach. While the team has reportedly received calls about him, they haven’t engaged in serious discussions.
“I’d personally be pretty surprised if the Commanders move him now. It’d go against everything they’ve done this offseason,” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer said on X.
I'd personally be pretty surprised if the Commanders move him now. It'd go against everything they've done this offseason. He's also about as good a fit as you'll find for DQ's program—and Washington would be in trouble at that position without him. https://t.co/vhaZYhiRAc
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 31, 2025
McLaurin isn’t the first star to request a trade this offseason. Defensive end Myles Garrett wanted out of Cleveland before the Browns gave him a four-year, $160 million extension that made him the highest-paid non-quarterback until T.J. Watt’s new deal with Pittsburgh.
Whether Washington follows that precedent or explores trade options will define their potential championship window with Daniels entering his second season.
