Ron Rivera is adamant the Washington Commanders are not trading star wide receiver Terry McLaurin despite his current holdout. McLaurin skipped this week’s mandatory minicamp as he seeks a contract extension. Rivera contends that contract talks have not been “contentious” but that is not going to stop trade speculation.
Given the current climate for wide receivers around the league, it’s easy to be somewhat concerned about talks potentially breaking down between the Commanders and McLaurin. Each passing day will get Commanders faithful antsy and will sure brew the trade rumors.
Already there is one rumor that’s surfaced involving a team checking with the Commanders about the talented pass catcher.
According to Zach Hicks of Sports Illustrated, the Indianapolis Colts inquired about a potential trade a few months back. However, the Commanders were “firmly against” trading him.
The Colts are an interesting choice, considering McLaurin is an Indianapolis native. He also grew up a Colts fan. Last year he talked with CBS Sports about having Colts season tickets prior to his playing days at Ohio State and later the NFL.
McLaurin has blossomed into one of the best young wide receivers in the NFL. Now he wants to be paid like one. Since being a third-round pick of Washington in 2019, he’s been the team’s top receiver.
McLaurin has led the Commanders in receiving each of his three seasons. He’s amassed 222 catches, 3,090 yards and 16 touchdown catches throughout his career thus far.
He’s emerged as locker room leader and team captain. His production on the field and off it is highly valued. Other teams surely have taken notice. As long as a new deal is not reached, trade speculation will exist no matter what Rivera says.
The Commanders want to keep McLaurin, but circumstances do change. Just ask Mike Vrabel. The Tennessee Titans head coach proclaimed A.J. Brown wouldn’t be traded. Brown was traded a couple of weeks later during the draft to the Philadelphia Eagles once contract talks broke down.
