All eyes were expected to be on rookies and breakout players as preseason Week 1 approaches. Instead, and not for the reasons supporters had hoped, the focus has gone to Washington. Terry McLaurin made a shocking announcement on what seemed to be an ordinary day in the NFL news cycle: He’s requested a trade.
Terry McLaurin Wants Out, Social Media Reacts to News
The Commanders’ star wide receiver, fresh off a career-best season with 13 touchdowns and nearly half of the team’s receiving scores, has officially requested a trade. It’s a move that caught fans off guard, not because there were no signs of frustration, but because it’s Terry, the quiet leader, the ultimate pro, the guy who’s been the heart of this offense for years.
McLaurin has been seeking a new contract for months, and after a 2024 campaign that saw him rank third league-wide in team TD percentage (44.8%), the case for a raise is strong. Yet, talks have stalled.
He’s now entering the final year of a three-year, $68.3 million deal, a number that no longer feels close to his value. Despite his patience and production, the team hasn’t stepped up. And now, he’s taking a stand.
Over the past two years, at least three wide receivers requested trades: Tee Higgins, Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. None were traded in the year in which they made the request.
McLaurin is now the latest WR to seek a trade when failing to land the contract he wanted. https://t.co/Nb0exYptZY
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 31, 2025
Fans didn’t hesitate to weigh in online. Surprisingly, many didn’t panic; instead, they saw it as a power move.
“It’s just to gain leverage. I 100% think he stays in Washington. That’s Daniels’ guy,” one fan wrote, pointing to the bond between McLaurin and rising quarterback Jayden Daniels.
It’s just to gain leverage. I 100% think he stays in Washington. That’s Daniels guy https://t.co/y9S6DFH6qO
— Dakota Toppett (@toppettdakota) July 31, 2025
Another echoed the sentiment: “Honestly don’t think anything happens. I believe he’s just tryna get leverage to corner Washington into a deal.”
Honestly don’t think anything happens. I believe he’s just tryna get leverage to corner Washington into a deal https://t.co/M0PlLb3tto
— 𝑵𝒊𝒄𝒄𝒌𝒌 (Bears are Back!) (@NyckBetter) July 31, 2025
Not everyone, though, bought into the optimism. “Terry’s agent really screwed him out of a deal lol,” one person posted.
Terry’s agent really screwed him out of a deal lol https://t.co/SYDCSm4K7a
— Olafimihan Oshin (@olafimihanoshin) July 31, 2025
Others questioned the Commanders’ plan if they actually let McLaurin walk. “They plan on running Deebo out as WR1?” one user asked.
They plan on running Deebo out as WR1? pic.twitter.com/XRF1oukAvm https://t.co/K5QUW7fbb9
— Cesar Bass (@CBAS5S) July 31, 2025
What Will the Washington Commanders Do?
At the end of the day, this isn’t just about stats or money. It’s about respect. McLaurin has carried this offense through rough seasons, stuck with the franchise through transitions, and built real chemistry with its young quarterback. Jayden Daniels has already expressed his support: “We know Terry’s working, we don’t really have to worry about that… he’s still one of our brothers.”
Read More: Commanders Legend Santana Moss Sends Bold Message About Terry McLaurin’s Contract Standoff
In addition to being a calculated move, McLaurin’s trade request indicates that he is tired of waiting silently. One thing is sure: the Commanders cannot afford to overlook McLaurin’s importance to this squad, both on and off the field, regardless of whether this results in a blockbuster deal or a long-awaited extension.
