McLaurin encounters stern reminder during trade demand, while Daniels ousts fellow player from team huddle
Terry McLaurin Seeks Trade from Washington Commanders Amidst Contract Dispute
Terry McLaurin, a two-time Pro Bowler for the Washington Commanders, has officially requested a trade from the team due to stalled contract extension negotiations. The wide receiver, who is entering the final year of his current contract, is seeking a lucrative multi-year extension worth north of $30 million per season [1][4].
McLaurin's trade request comes weeks into the NFL training camp, as teams prepare for the 2025 season. His decision to seek a trade stems from frustration with the team over the lack of progress in contract extension talks [1][3]. Potential trade destinations for McLaurin include playoff-competitive teams such as the Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, and Buffalo Bills [2][3].
The Commanders are pursuing a win-now strategy around quarterback Jayden Daniels, which likely factors into their considerations about McLaurin’s high-value contract demands and trade request [1]. Daniels, who led the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game in his rookie season, threw for 3,568 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in the 2024 season. He also rushed for an additional 891 yards and six scores [5].
Despite the trade request, Commanders general manager Adam Peters stated that the organization has no intention of trading McLaurin [6]. This comes after several other wide receivers, including Terry Higgins, Brandon Aiyuk, and Deebo Samuel, all requested trades over the past two years, but none of them got their wishes at the time [7].
Notably, Higgins, who was ranked as the 77th best player in the NFL's Top 100 Poll, was later signed by the Cincinnati Bengals to a four-year, $115 million extension [8]. Aiyuk reached an agreement to stay with the San Francisco 49ers, signing a four-year, $120 million contract extension with $76 million guaranteed [9].
McLaurin's current contract includes one year left on a three-year, $68 million deal, with a base salary of $15.5 million and a cap hit of $25.5 million for the next season [10]. In the 2024 season, McLaurin had a career-best 13 touchdowns, 12 of which came from rookie quarterback Daniels [5]. Austin Ekeler shed light on Daniels' leadership, stating that he is holding the team to a high standard [5].
However, Daniels has allegedly kicked an unnamed teammate out of the huddle during a practice session [11]. The future of McLaurin with the Commanders remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the team is determined to move outside of years of mediocrity under the leadership of Daniels.
References:
- ESPN
- Pro Football Talk
- NFL.com
- The Athletic
- Washington Post
- Sports Illustrated
- CBS Sports
- NFL Network
- 49ers Webzone
- Over The Cap
- The Washington Times
- The lack of progress in contract extension negotiations with Terry McLaurin, a two-time Pro Bowler for the Washington Commanders, has led him to seek a trade, as he eyees a lucrative deal worth more than $30 million per season, similar to agreements reached by modern NFL players such as Terry Higgins and Brandon Aiyuk.
- With Terry McLaurin's trade request, it remains uncertain if he'll continue as a key player in the American Football arena, be it NFL, MLB, or MMA, as potential destinations for him include playoff-competitive teams like the Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, and other renowned franchises across various sports.
- While the Commanders general manager, Adam Peters, has stated that they have no intention of trading McLaurin, his departure might create room for new talent to shine under the leadership of superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels, who showed incredible potential in his rookie season, leading the team to the NFC Championship Game and dominating with powerful throws and rushing abilities.
- Despite allegations of Daniels exhibiting poor behavior by kicking a teammate out of the huddle during practice, McLaurin has revealed his admiration for the young quarterback's leadership skills, citing Austin Ekeler's claims that Daniels holds the team to a high standard, which aligns with the Commanders' aim to move outside their years of mediocrity and compete for championships in the upcoming 2025 season.
