Proposed Trade Sees Raiders Acquire 29-Year-Old All-Pro WR Seeking New Contract
The Las Vegas Raiders have some exciting offensive talent with running back Ashton Jeanty, tight end Brock Bowers, and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. However, the team is still missing a proven No. 1 wide receiver.
While Meyers is a solid No. 2 option, the Raiders could still improve their receiving corps, and an intriguing possibility might soon become available. There’s growing tension between All-Pro wide receiver Terry McLaurin and the Washington Commanders.
McLaurin has been one of the NFL’s most reliable receivers, with five consecutive seasons surpassing 1,000 receiving yards. However, he’s in the final year of his contract and is seeking a new deal.
It’s easy to see why McLaurin wants an extension. Last season, he racked up 1,096 receiving yards, 13 touchdowns, and earned second-team All-Pro honors. His strong play was key to the success of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
The Commanders made offseason moves, acquiring wide receiver Deebo Samuel and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, both of whom are also due for new contracts. With their salary cap stretched thin, they may struggle to offer McLaurin the big extension he’s hoping for.
That’s where the Raiders come in. With $36 million in cap space, they’re in a position to sign McLaurin immediately. However, McLaurin is highly valuable to the Commanders, meaning a trade would likely come at a high price.
A deal involving a 2026 second-round pick and tight end Michael Mayer could benefit both teams: the Commanders would receive a valuable draft pick and a former second-round tight end, while the Raiders would secure a true No. 1 wide receiver.
Commanders & McLaurin in Tense Standoff
The Commanders are under pressure to get McLaurin locked into a new contract, as he has been one of their best players for several years.
However, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the situation doesn’t seem promising right now.
“I don’t think it’s in a great place right now,” Breer told 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C. “These things do get bumpy, especially with the cap rising quickly. If you’re Terry McLaurin, you’re probably saying, ‘Don’t come to me unless it starts with a three.'”
McLaurin May Demand $30 Million Per Year
With wide receiver salaries soaring, McLaurin’s current $22.78 million annual salary now seems like a bargain. Breer suggests McLaurin could be aiming for more than $30 million annually.
“I think it’s fair for him to ask for something in that range, given where the market’s gone,” Breer explained. “Justin Jefferson got $35 million per year, and CeeDee Lamb got $34 million. The best comparison might be DK Metcalf, who got $33 million per year on a four-year deal. McLaurin is too important to Washington’s future to let this drag on, but sometimes these things can get messy before they’re resolved.”
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