Proposed Steelers trade package for Terry McLaurin sends speedy 728-yard receiver to Commanders

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been linked to a trade for disgruntled Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin, but it could cost the team an ascending third-year receiver.

Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox proposes a trade that would send McLaurin to the Steelers, and a return of a 2026 second-round pick and wide receiver Calvin Austin III to the Commanders.

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.

McLaurin requested a trade out of Washington on July 31 due to stalled contract talks. The 29-year-old receiver is entering the final year of his deal in 2025, and it seems like the Commanders are hesitant to give him the money he is demanding.

Washington could be forced to trade McLaurin at some point if both sides can't agree on a long-term deal. Pittsburgh would be a logical landing spot, as Mike Tomlin's squad desperately needs another capable receiving threat to pair with DK Metcalf after trading George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys in May.

Despite dealing with subpar quarterback play for most of his career, McLaurin has still been productive. The 2019 third-round pick has posted five straight 1,000-yard campaigns and hauled in a career-high 13 receiving touchdowns in 2024 with quarterback Jayden Daniels at the helm.

Acquiring McLaurin makes perfect sense for a Steelers' squad that needs to supply quarterback Aaron Rodgers with as much talent as possible in his final year. The proposed trade package from Knox is also fair, as giving up a Day 2 pick and Austin for an All-Pro level receiver is worth it.

However, Pittsburgh has already pulled off a blockbuster deal for a receiver this offseason by adding Metcalf and signing him to a four-year extension worth $132 million. General manager Omar Khan could stay away from trading for McLaurin due to the massive contract he will have to give the Ohio State product.

Overall, McLaurin is going to get his money one way or another. The two-time Pro Bowler would be a seamless fit in Arthur Smith's offense for the Steelers, but money is the obstacle standing in Pittsburgh's way.

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