Terry McLaurin might not have the most leverage in the world in his trade request from the Washington Commanders.
He's under contract for this season, which always complicates matters. His hold-in is only so effective if he's contractually obligated to suit up.
But there's one thing working in his favor.
The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala shared this thought on X on Wednesday:
"The Commanders’ lack of depth at WR is concerning. Terry McLaurin didn’t have a ton of leverage in contract negotiations with the team, but that part is growing increasingly favorable for him."
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The Commanders can't really afford to have a meager receiving corps.
Jayden Daniels is coming off a Rookie of the Year campaign at quarterback and is one of the most exciting young players in the NFL. Washington should be doing everything it can to support him, especially while he's on his affordable rookie deal.
McLaurin is 30, yes, and maybe that means he isn't worth the four years and $132 million that two-years-younger DK Metcalf got earlier this offseason from the Steelers.
But unless the likes of Deebo Samuel, Noah Brown, Jaylin Lane, Luke McCaffrey, Chris Moore and Michael Gallup inspire some immense confidence, McLaurin's absence will only loom larger and larger.
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There's still time, of course. The regular season is a month away.
But this is a situation the Commanders can't afford to get wrong. Daniels, and the team's Super Bowl hopes, are too important.
McLaurin might get paid simply because Washington doesn't have a ton of great alternatives.
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