Total Pro Sports
Sorry, Commanders fans. But Steelers fans, get ready, this one’s big. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox just shook the NFL rumor tree with a trade proposal that will divide both fan bases. He pitched the idea of the Pittsburgh Steelers going after star wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
So, what does the deal look like? Pittsburgh would send Calvin Austin III and a 2026 second-round pick to Washington. It’s daring, pricey, and just might be perfect or a disaster, depending on how you see it.
McLaurin is in the middle of a contract standoff with the Commanders. ESPN’s John Keim reported that the veteran receiver asked for a trade after failing to make progress on a new deal. McLaurin even held out for the first four days of training camp. The frustration is real. The window is open. And the Steelers might just walk through it.
Knox didn’t hide the facts. “Adding McLaurin would likely mean paying two receivers over $30 million annually. For a franchise without a long-term quarterback plan, that could be problematic,” he wrote.
He’s not wrong. Aaron Rodgers might be done after this season. If that happens, Pittsburgh would be left paying a heavy price to two wideouts, McLaurin and DK Metcalf, without a proven quarterback throwing to them. That’s a risky bet.
He also added, “Through one lens, though, the move would make sense. Pittsburgh is clearly going all-in with Aaron Rodgers this year, and McLaurin’s precise route-running and breakaway ability would mesh well with Rodgers”
But if Pittsburgh wants to win now, this move needs to be made urgently. Rodgers is in what could be his final season. Giving him McLaurin alongside Metcalf would make Pittsburgh one of the most dangerous WR duos in the league.
McLaurin is coming off a great 2024. He caught 82 passes, racked up 1,096 yards, and scored a career-high 13 touchdowns. He earned second-team All-Pro honors. That’s elite production. His precise route running and burst after the catch would fit Rodgers like a glove.
Still, the Steelers would lose Calvin Austin III in the deal. And Austin just had his best season, 548 yards with an eye-popping 15.2 yards per catch. He’s four years younger and locked in on a rookie deal. That’s the value Pittsburgh wouldn’t get back if McLaurin walks in a year or two.
Knox laid it out. The upside is real. But the long-term risk? It’s also there. Now it’s up to the Steelers to decide.
Also Read: Washington Commanders WR Terry McLaurin Is Officially Done
