There could be contract trouble brewing between the Washington Commanders and star wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
According to FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz, McLaurin was not practicing with the Commanders on Wednesday after taking part in offseason workouts previously.
McLaurin is entering the final year of his $68 million contract and some are thinking he could be holding out for a new deal, although that has not been confirmed.
To be honest, if that is what he’s doing, it’s a smart move. McLaurin can cash in on one more big contract as he prepares to hit 30 in September, and the Commanders should be able to pay him with Jayden Daniels on a rookie deal.
As is normally the case when we hear about a possible contract dispute, analysts have already begun dreaming up possible trade landing spots for McLaurin if he and the Commanders can’t get something done and he indeed holds out.
One of those analysts is Steelers Now’s Alan Saunders, who wants to see the Pittsburgh Steelers trade for McLaurin if he does indeed become available.
“Should negotiations between McLaurin and the Commanders turn contentious, the Steelers would assuredly love to become a trade landing spot for the former Ohio State star,” Saunders wrote.
Saunders does point out, however, that a trade of McLaurin is unlikely — and he’d be 100% correct. McLaurin is just too important to a Commanders team that is on the doorstep of competing for a Super Bowl, as he’s the No. 1 target for a budding superstar player in Daniels.
That said, if he does hit the trade block, the Steelers would likely be first in line to try and acquire him.
After trading away wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, the Steelers find themselves in a familiar spot with a need at wide receiver.
Behind DK Metcalf, Pittsburgh has an unproven Roman Wilson, and over-the-hill Robert Woods and a No. 3 receiver, at best, in Calvin Austin. Not exactly a step up for a Pittsburgh team that had a major weakness at wide receiver in 2024.
Trading for McLaurin would be just what the doctor ordered. Despite not having good quarterback play before Daniels’ arrival, McLaurin has five straight 1,000-yard seasons and there’s nothing he can’t do on a football field.
Having a McLaurin-Metcalf pairing would be elite for Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, or whoever is under center.
But, unfortunately for the Steelers and their fans, the chances of a that duo ever coming to fruition are extremely slim, at best.
MORE PITTSBURGH STEELERS NEWS
NFL confirms MLB’s Pirates have impacted Steelers’ early-season schedules
Cowboys’ George Pickens makes statement that will give Steelers fans a good laugh
Adam Schefter predicts ending for Aaron Rodgers-Steelers drama with specific timeline
