As NFL training camps begin across the league this week, there’s one interesting situation happening in the NFC East. The Washington Commanders are coming off of an unprecedented successful season in 2024, reaching the NFC Championship game in their first year under head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters. Their then-rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels quickly cemented himself as the ‘guy’ in Washington, something they’ve been waiting to happen for multiple years.
With their first practice set for Wednesday, the Commanders will have to resolve the current Terry McLaurin contract situation. The former fifth-round pick has been the definition of consistency in Washington, despite the revolving door of quarterbacks thrown his way. McLaurin signed a three-year extension in 2022 worth $68 million. Now in the final year of that deal, McLaurin wants to be paid, and rightfully so.
Peters said on Tuesday that the team will do, “everything we can to get a deal done.” In the chance that they don’t, could the Los Angeles Chargers make a move for McLaurin.
The Chargers are coming off of a successful season of their own in 2024, but it ended quickly in their Wild Card loss. Their offensive deficiencies were evident, as Ladd McConkey carried for 197 yards and one touchdown. The Bolts’ next leading receiver in that loss to the Texans was Will Dissly with just 12 yards.
The Chargers made some improvements on offense this season, including bringing back veteran wideout Mike Williams. Williams shocked everyone last week when he announced his retirement. They drafted Tre Harris in the second round and are hoping former first rounder Quentin Johnston can put things together, but why not make a homerun move and trade for McLaurin?
A top-two receiver duo is something the best teams have. A McConkey-McLaurin pairing would certainly be electric and one Justin Herbert wouldn’t mind having.