Terry McLaurin trade: CBS Sports names six potential landing spots for Commanders star WR

Washington Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin, entering the final year of his contract, requested a trade Thursday. McLaurin has been searching for a long-term contract extension throughout the offseason, but both sides remain far apart.

McLaurin, 29, held out for the first four days of training camp before reporting Sunday. Now a hold-in, McLaurin was placed on the physically unable to perform list due to an ankle injury he suffered last season. He said on July 15 that the way everything has played out has been “disappointing.”

“I’ve been pretty frustrated, I’m not going to lie,” McLaurin said. “Everything that has transpired up to this point has been disappointing and frustrating. I want to continue my career here, I’ve created my life here, my wife and I have bought our first home here. So, this has been somewhere where I’ve always wanted to be. Just to see how things have played out has been disappointing.

“Obviously, I understand everything is a business, but at the same time, I want to put myself in a position where I’m valued and I feel appreciated and things like that. Unfortunately, that hasn’t transpired the way I want it to, so I’m just trying to take things day by day.”

If Washington makes McLaurin available, the two-time Pro Bowler should have plenty of suitors. Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports listed six potential landing spots.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have receivers to give with Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Alec Pierce and Adonai Mitchell all under contract. With quarterback Anthony Richardson and head coach Shane Steichen entering make-or-break years, McLaurin could be the missing piece to get Indianapolis back to the postseason.

Adding more talent at the skill positions has been a priority for the Colts. They used their 2025 first-round selection on tight end Tyler Warren.

Kansas City Chiefs

Could the rich get even richer? Kansas City has five Super Bowl appearances in the last six seasons, winning three Lombardi trophies. But in a loaded AFC, the Chiefs could use another weapon.

Rashee Rice has shown he can be a WR1, though he is coming off a season-ending knee injury. Marquise “Hollywood” Brown has struggled to stay healthy throughout his tenure in Kansas City.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders hired head coach Pete Carroll and acquired quarterback Geno Smith this offseason, signaling they’re ready to compete. They have an obvious need at receiver, with Jakobi Meyers the only established name under contract.

Simply put, the Raiders need more talent. McLaurin would be a home run acquisition. Las Vegas has $37 million in remaining cap space, and that number jumps to $99 million in 2026.

Los Angeles Chargers

Head coach Jim Harbaugh got to see plenty of McLaurin while at Michigan. Like many teams on this list, Los Angeles could use another established wideout. Currently, Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston are the top dogs.

Furthermore, Mike Williams retired before his second stint with the Chargers truly got underway. Los Angeles has the financial ability to sign McLaurin, with an excess of $30 million in remaining cap space.

New York Jets

The Jets are an interesting one. After turning over the coaching staff and releasing quarterback Aaron Rodgers, New York is entering a rebuild of sorts. The Jets are lacking in proven playmakers outside of Garrett Wilson.

Wilson and McLaurin, while never teammates, both played at Ohio State. So did newly signed quarterback Justin Fields. Jets passing game coordinator Scott Turner was previously McLaurin’s play-caller in Washington.

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers needed to get their books in order this offseason, leading to the trade of receiver Deebo Samuel. For now, McLaurin and Samuel are teammates in Washington.

San Francisco’s top wideout, Brandon Aiyuk, is still not practicing after suffering a torn ACL last season, while Ricky Pearsall just returned to practice Thursday. Like McLaurin, Jauan Jennings is seeking a new contract. Jennings re-aggravated a calf injury this week and has no timetable for a return.