Training camp rolls on, and Friday delivered everything from surprise trade requests to two-way rookies and one quarterback getting roasted by his own teammates.
Terry McLaurin Requests a Trade
In a stunning development, Terry McLaurin has officially requested a trade from the Washington Commanders, per Ian Rapoport.
The star wideout, known for his leadership and production, is reportedly frustrated with the lack of progress on his contract and overall team direction.
This could mark a turning point for the Commanders’ offense, which was already depending on quarterback Jayden Daniels to accelerate this team even more than last year.
If McLaurin is dealt, Washington loses more than just a top receiver. They lose the face of their locker room.
Hunter Renfrow Drawing High Praise from Jaycee Horn
In Carolina, veteran wideout Hunter Renfrow is making an early statement at Panthers training camp, and the praise is coming from one of the team’s best defenders.
Cornerback Jaycee Horn told Kay Adams on the Up & Adams Show that Renfrow has been “impossible to guard” so far, highlighting just how polished the former Pro Bowler has looked in one-on-one matchups.
Renfrow looks like he’s found a perfect fit in Carolina’s offense. With Bryce Young entering year three and in need of a steady target, Renfrow is quickly emerging as a reliable weapon and one that even elite DBs are having trouble locking down.
Travis Hunter Plays Both Ways in Jaguars Scrimmage
Travis Hunter, the number two overall pick out of Colorado, lined up at both wide receiver and cornerback during the Jaguars’ Friday night scrimmage, as reported by Adam Schefter. It wasn’t just a gimmick. Hunter held his own on both sides of the ball, which is shocking because all he was caught doing before was dancing.
Jacksonville is experimenting early, but this may not be a one-off. Hunter is one of the few players in the NFL who could actually make an impact on both offense and defense.
If the Jags lean into it, they might be unlocking one of the most unique weapons in football.
Browns Defenders Mock Rookie QB
Meanwhile, in Cleveland, rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel is having a camp to forget.
During Friday’s practice, after Gabriel floated a weak pass that fell incomplete, defensive backs broke up the play and made “stinky” gestures, waving their hands in front of their helmets to mock the throw, a moment that quickly made the rounds online.
Unfortunately for Gabriel, the stats backed up the jokes. He went just 3-of-14 passing, threw his second interception of the week, and didn’t manage a single touchdown during team drills, per Charlie Viehl of Sports Illustrated.
Gabriel had a prime opportunity to climb the depth chart with Kenny Pickett getting hurt. Instead, he might be slipping out of the picture entirely, especially if his teammates have already seen enough.
Even though everyone has got this crazy mindset for Flacco, maybe it’s time to give Shedeur Sanders more first-team defense snaps with the second offense.