Insider Says Patriots, Terry McLaurin Trade ‘A Bit Unlikely’

It’s been four days since Washington Commanders star wide receiver Terry McLaurin requested a trade.

Leading up to and since the request, the New England Patriots have been among the most heavily connected teams to the two-time Pro Bowler.

According to a report by The Athletic on Monday, “all indications to this point have been that the Commanders are not interested in trading McLaurin.” As McLaurin is still waiting for a new contract (his current deal ends after the 2025 season) though, beat writers from The Athletic came up with a handful of trade proposals for the 29-year-old on Monday.

Patriots reporter Chad Graff crafted a trade idea that would send the team’s 2027 third-round pick to Washington in exchange for McLaurin.

“The Patriots are an obvious option when any player is on the trade block, considering the roster needs improving and they have the most cap space in the NFL. That said, a trade for McLaurin seems a bit unlikely for them,” Graff wrote. “If this were before the draft, they probably would’ve been quite interested. But with Stefon Diggs now in the fold, if you add McLaurin, you risk boxing out third-round pick Kyle Williams, limiting his playing time and development. Additionally, a move for McLaurin, who turns 30 soon, might make more sense for a team with an open championship window. The Patriots are still rebuilding and might have better use for their ample cap space next offseason rather than chasing a 30-year-old receiver when they’re still a few years from seriously competing.”

“Scary Terry” skipped the Commanders minicamp in June and the beginning of training camp in July but ended his holdout on July 27. McLaurin hasn’t started practicing yet, however, as he was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list with an ankle injury.

The Ohio St. product is coming off arguably his best season in 2024, when he finished with 82 receptions for 1,096 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns on 117 targets. McLaurin earned a second team All-Pro honor last year and his second Pro Bowl nod as well.