Terry McLaurin has been a reliable presence in Washington’s offense over the past few years. While he’s consistently delivered solid production, he reached a new level this past season.
In 2024, McLaurin racked up 1,096 receiving yards—right around his career average—but what stood out was his touchdown total: a career-high 13, nearly doubling his previous best. Now 29, McLaurin is eyeing a lucrative contract and appears frustrated with the Commanders’ handling of the situation. This could present an opportunity for a wide receiver-needy team like the New York Jets to inquire about his availability.
McLaurin Would Complement Garrett Wilson Perfectly
The Jets still need a dependable second wide receiver, and McLaurin could be a dynamic complement to Garrett Wilson. His presence would significantly boost the passing game while also opening up the field for the run game by stretching opposing defenses.
Even if the Jets maintain a balanced or run-first offense, adding a weapon like McLaurin would force defenses to account for both sides of the field, potentially creating wider lanes for the running backs.
Would a McLaurin Trade Be Realistic for New York?
While it’s an exciting idea, a trade for McLaurin may not be practical for the Jets. Acquiring him would likely require surrendering a valuable draft pick—possibly a second-rounder—on top of preparing for a sizable contract extension. The team already has future big-money deals looming for stars like Garrett Wilson, Sauce Gardner, and Quinnen Williams.
Additionally, with many projecting the Jets to have a top-half draft pick in 2025, giving that up for an expensive veteran may not align with their current strategy. A more likely scenario could be a trade deadline move if they’re in playoff contention, but a major acquisition like this before the season seems unlikely. For now, the Jets are expected to roll with their current receiving corps despite McLaurin’s elite talent.