NFL Blockbuster Trade Proposal Sends Commanders’ Terry McLaurin to Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have already made two trade involving wide receivers this offseason. But Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox argued Tuesday the Steelers could make another to acquire Washington Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin.

Knox named the Steelers the top landing spot for McLaurin, who is currently in a contract standoff with the Commanders. Knox proposed Pittsburgh trade a 2026 second-round pick and wideout Calvin Austin III for McLaurin.

“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,” wrote Knox.

“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. Looking beyond this season, the Steelers would then have two terrific pass-catchers to help support their next signal-caller.

“Washington could get back speedy receiver Calvin Austin III in this hypothetical deal while sending McLaurin outside of the NFC.”

ESPN’s John Keim reported on July 31 that McLaurin has grown so frustrated with contract extension negotiations with the Commanders that he requested a trade.

“With the sides far apart, McLaurin held out for the first four days of training camp before reporting Sunday. There has been no movement toward a new deal, one source said,” wrote Keim.

Why the Steelers Acquiring WR Terry McLaurin Makes Sense

Knox presented the pros and cons for Pittsburgh landing McLaurin. It’s a move the Steelers should be interested in if they are serious about going all in on 2025.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has indicated this NFL season will very likely be his final one. That means, in all likelihood, the Steelers will again face quarterback uncertainty next offseason.

The best chance for Pittsburgh to make a deep playoff run could be this season. The team’s chances of being an elite contender would drastically increase with someone such as McLaurin as the team’s No. 2 receiver.

McLaurin is arguably coming off his best season last year with Washington. He’s posted five consecutive seasons with at least 77 catches and 1,000 receiving yards.

Last year, McLaurin had 82 receptions with 1,096 receiving yards. He also had a career-high 13 touchdowns. Behind those numbers, McLaurin made second-team All-Pro for the first time.

Why the Steelers Shouldn’t Acquire McLaurin

The main reason the Steelers aren’t likely to acquire McLaurin is where Knox began his argument.

In addition to the trade compensation for McLaurin, the Steelers would have to sign the veteran receiver to a new contract. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported McLaurin could demand a higher salary than DK Metcalf, who the Steelers acquired and then signed to a four-year, $132 million deal.

Paying two receivers, one of which turns 30 in September, at least $33 million or more annually is not a great recipe. It be a disaster team roster building decision if the Steelers take a couple years to find a competent replacement for Rodgers.

In Knox’s trade proposal, the Steelers also didn’t just give up future draft capital but also a proven receiver on a rookie deal.

Austin doesn’t produce at the same level as McLaurin. But Austin experienced his best season with 548 receiving yards and 15.2 yards per catch in 2024. He is also about four years younger than McLaurin.

The immediate upside McLaurin could provide likely wouldn’t exceed what Austin gives the Steelers in the long-term on a more affordable contract.

Metcalf and Austin are projected to be Pittsburgh’s top two receivers in 2025. On the team’s first preseason depth chart, Robert Woods, Scotty Miller, Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek were the second-team and third-team wideouts.