Before we dig into the teams that should be interested in McLaurin and the packages they could realistically offer, it’s worth examining why he should draw attention on the trade market.
To put it simply, McLaurin is a productive and consistent pro’s pro of a wide receiver. He may not consistently produce the eye-catching numbers of wideouts like Justin Jefferson or Ja’Marr Chase, but he resides just a tick below the elite tier.
With a terrific combination of size (6’0″, 201 lbs) and speed (4.35-second 40-yard dash), McLaurin has all the physical tools a team could want in a No. 1 receiver. More importantly, perhaps, he has produced week in and week out, regardless of who the Commanders have had under center.
Last season, McLaurin played a big role in helping Jayden Daniels become an instant sensation. However, Washington could still consider moving him for a price, for a couple of reasons.
For one, McLaurin will turn 30 in September, and the Commanders may not be eager to invest too much into an aging receiver with the Daniels window just opening. Secondly, Washington added Deebo Samuel via trade this offseason, meaning it wouldn’t be devoid at the receiver position if McLaurin were to be moved.
A good comparison for McLaurin’s situation is that of DK Metcalf. While Metcalf is over two years younger than McLaurin, he was also a product of the 2019 draft and a two-time Pro Bowler who has put up very similar career numbers.
Both receivers have appeared in 97 games over six seasons. McLaurin has caught 460 passes for 6,379 yards and 38 touchdowns. Metcalf has caught 438 passes for 6,324 yards and 48 touchdowns.
This offseason, the Seattle Seahawks traded Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2025 second-round pick and a late-round pick swap. That should provide a solid baseline for McLaurin trade offers. Metcalf then signed a four-year, $132 million extension with the Steelers. His annual $33 million salary is roughly $10.2 million more than McLaurin got on his current contract and is likely in the range that McLaurin hopes to reach.
Any trade for McLaurin would, presumably, come with a new contract.
