Angelica Ciulla •August 05, 2025 9:47 AM EDT

Angelica Ciulla • August 05, 2025 9:47 AM EDT Star Wide receiver Terry McLaurin trade could leave Commanders in shambles.

Commanders Star WR Terry McLaurin Requests Trade Amid Contract Dispute

      On Tuesday, July 31, star wide receiver Terry McLaurin for the Washington Commanders requested a trade over a contract dispute. There were stalled negotiations during the entire offseason, leading to McLaurin missing offseason activities. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed he was informed of the situation and responded by saying, “We love Terry…For Terry and the trade request, that’s part of normal business that is happening around the NFL. It’s normal, we understand it, and we just throw our very best practices out on the field.” 

McLaurin participated in practice on July 27th after being placed on the PUP List due to an ankle injury he sustained late in the 2024 season, but has not been participating in team practices since the announcement. McLaurin remains at the facility and can attend meetings, though there are no reports of him partaking.

What does this mean for the Commanders? 

In the 2024 season, Terry McLaurin produced 82 receptions for 1,096 yards, 13 touchdowns, averaging 13.4 yards per catch, making up about 22.5% of the team’s total catches and 44.8% of the Commanders’ touchdowns. McLaurin proved to be a crucial part of the offense during their playoff run, leading the Commanders to the NFC Championship against the Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, in which Terry McLaurin delivered a receiving touchdown and 51 yards while battling through an ankle injury. Without McLaurin, the Commanders would be taking a massive blow in their offense.

Adding Deebo Samuel

The Washington Commanders added Veteran Wide receiver Deebo Samuel in March 2025 in a trade for the 5th round pick from the San Francisco 49ers. However, despite Deebo Samuel’s versatility and stardom in the NFL, he has been showing signs of declining performance in recent years. In 2021, Deebo Samuel produced 77 receptions for 1,405 yards, 6 receiving touchdown’s and 8 rushing touchdowns. Compared to the 2024 season, he only has 51 receptions for 670 yards, 3 receiving touchdowns, and 1 rushing touchdown. The stats are nearly a 50% decrease. Though having a veteran presence is necessary, the Commanders need a breakout emerging talent with enhanced speed to keep up with the capabilities of Jayden Daniel’s sling of an arm. 

Unless other teams are looking to exchange star wide receivers such as Tyreek Hill, accepting anything other than a top-tier wide receiver would be detrimental and would possibly not benefit in aiding the team’s biggest needs, causing the Commanders to take a huge step back next year. Even with a strong running back presence such as Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Eckler, the Commanders are a passing team. Jayden Daniels has shown with his playmaking capabilities and a strong wide receiver core, the team is versatile in both, but with an emphasis on the pass. Regardless, Deebo Samuels will make a great contribution in both categories, but without a top-tier wide receiver, the commanders will be left in shambles this season.

Edited by

Angelica Ciulla

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