There is a growing and very real chance that Terry McLaurin will not play another down for the Washington Commanders. On Thursday, the Pro Bowl wide receiver officially requested a trade from the team.
The Commanders would be wise to give McLaurin the contract extension that he is looking for, as he was a key ingredient to Jayden Daniels having one of the best rookie seasons the league has ever seen last year. But if a deal cannot be reached, the Los Angeles Chargers stand out as one of the most logical landing spots for him.
But when you break things down, it's the best spot for him to go to.
The Chargers are on pretty much every list of teams that could acquire McLaurin, but as Nick Shook of NFL.com suggests, "It almost makes too much sense".
That is because McLaurin coming to L.A. would not only allow him to go to a team that many figure to be a contender in the AFC, but the Chargers have the salary cap space available to give him the kind of money he is looking for. Leaving a place where he catches passes from Daniels would be tough, but coming to the Chargers and catching zingers from Justin Herbert could quickly make up for it.
The Chargers also have a need, one that is becoming a bigger need following Mike Williams' retirement. Ladd McConkey is great, but as the Chargers found out in the playoffs last season, having him as the only major threat for Herbert to get the ball to won't work very well.
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McLaurin could solve that issue. He could give Herbert a reliable deep threat who can make plays all over the field and move the team away from having to count on guys like Quentin Johnston or a young Tre Harris.
The Chargers have what could be a very complete team led by an offensive line that could be as good as any in the league and a stout running game. What's missing is a diverse passing attack, and that has hindered the career of Herbert. Making a trade to land McLaurin puts this team over the top.
And unless it's something completely outrageous, the cost to get him shouldn't even matter.
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