One of the primary objectives of the Patriots’ 2025 offseason was to build an improved offensive roster for quarterback Drake Maye to work with. Despite not having the best weapons during his rookie season in 2024, he impressed and garnered Offensive Rookie of the Year buzz, sparking considerable excitement for what he could achieve in Year 2.
New head coach Mike Vrabel has done an admirable job in ensuring that it can happen this upcoming season by adding plenty of top defensive talent and prioritizing the offense in the draft. They also took a risk in signing wide receiver Stefon Diggs, immediately becoming the WR1 the Patriots have lacked since Julian Edelman was on the team, but there’s a chance Vrabel could add even more weaponry to Maye’s arsenal.
That has become a topic since news broke that Commanders’ receiver Terry McLaurin is unhappy with his current situation in Washington. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported on Thursday that he has already made it clear to the team that he is “frustrated with the lack of progress” regarding a contract extension, making him a potential trade target for the Patriots.
It’s another trade that wouldn’t be cheap, but considering just how productive McLaurin is, there’s no reason for Vrabel and Co. not to inquire.
The Patriots should get on the phone with the Commanders about Terry McLaurin right away
Because the Commanders are in a similar situation to the Patriots with their team, having drafted their long-term quarterback, Jayden Daniels, one spot ahead of Maye last year, they want to build a dependable and high-performing roster to continue their hot streak from 2024, when they ended the season in the NFC Championship.
That could make them hesitant to move on from McLaurin, who has recorded five straight seasons of 1,000+ yards receiving, regardless of what the return might be. The Patriots are in a position to pay the receiver what he’s worth and offer him his rightful extension, which could be a selling point.
However, McLaurin is by far their best receiver and built a solid connection with Daniels last year, so it might be impossible for any team to convince them to send the superstar their way.
Regardless, it’s still a potential trade the Patriots should inquire about, even if they are immediately shut down. The idea of having a receiving corps led by Stefon Diggs and Terry McLaurin is too good to pass up, even more so when you also add in rookie Kyle Williams, DeMario Douglas, and explosive UDFA Efton Chism III.
The addition of McLaurin would put the offense on the map and drastically increase their chances of winning more games, possibly even reclaiming the division once again. As it has been said, it wouldn’t be cheap, but some trades are worth it, and it’s hard to argue that one involving McLaurin would be a mistake.
