The New England Patriots have been tied to potential trade scenarios for Commanders’ receiver, Terry McLaurin, and after McLaurin requested a trade yesterday, it seems much more realistic. McLaurin has been unhappy with his contract negotiations in Washington over the last couple of weeks, and yesterday he made it obvious that changes need to be made. McLaurin is still one of the league’s top receivers, and many teams will most likely be calling the Commanders. However, the team that should be making the hardest push, is the Patriots. They have a rising star in second year quarterback, Drake Maye, and with many talented additions via Free Agency and the NFL Draft, they look to be much improved in 2025. Adding a star like McLaurin, could truly put New England into serious playoff conversations.
Will the Patriots seriously consider trading for McLaurin?
There is a lot of belief from New England media personalities that trading for McLaurin will be a top priority for the Patriots now that a trade has been requested. The Patriots have the most cap space in the NFL, so they can afford to give McLaurin a very large contract, and by adding another playmaker for the Josh McDaniels offense, the Patriots could turn into one of the top offensive units in the AFC. The Patriots already have some talent at the receiver position, but adding a true number one weapon like McLaurin, would elevate the entire receiver room. Sending a trade offer to Washington should be priority number one for the New England front office.
What would be McLaurin’s impact in New England?
If Terry McLaurin becomes a Patriot, there will be an immediate improvement to the entire offense. The Patriots projected top three receivers at the moment are Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, and Kyle Williams. All three are very talented and could be serious weapons for Drake Maye, however, the addition of McLaurin would make all of them even better. McLaurin is a coverage dictating, number one receiver, who has to be accounted for. Which means while opposing defense need to double McLaurin, it leaves favorable matchups for the other Patriots’ weapons. Just imagine a Josh McDaniels’ offense where Stefon Diggs is being covered by the opposing number two corner. This would be a dream come true for New England fans everywhere, after years of not having a number one weapon, the Patriots would have multiple in McLaurin and Diggs.
Trading for McLaurin would be ideal during Maye’s rookie contract
One of the best things an NFL team can do, is hit on a quarterback in the Draft, and then take advantage of their rookie contract. Good NFL quarterbacks are very expensive, so while they are on affordable rookie contracts, teams like to go all in on other big time contracts. Surrounding young quarterbacks with as much talent as possible while they are developing is the best thing to do. If New England wants to help the development of Drake Maye, and take advantage of their salary cap while Maye is on an affordable deal, they will do everything in their power to trade for McLaurin and give him a big extension to grow with the young New England core.
