Aaron Rodgers’ arrival in Pittsburgh has sent shockwaves through the NFL. Now that the 21-year veteran is set to lead the Steelers, fans and analysts are debating what Rodgers needs for a successful season. One intriguing proposal has taken social media by storm: signing Washington Commanders star receiver Terry McLaurin.
Shortly before signing Rodgers, the Steelers stunned their fanbase by releasing George Pickens, who will now suit up for the Dallas Cowboys. That move left Pittsburgh with a glaring need for a playmaker to pair with DK Metcalf in the passing attack.
With Rodgers seeking elite targets to fuel a Super Bowl run, some believe McLaurin is the perfect addition. However, several roadblocks stand in the way of Pittsburgh prying him away from Washington, as Mike Fisher of Athlon Sports explains.
Would the Commanders actually trade McLaurin?
Fisher points out that the Steelers’ rumored interest in McLaurin stems from their need to surround Rodgers with reliable weapons-combined with the receiver’s ongoing contract dispute with Washington. However, the Commanders appear committed to keeping their roster intact.
Responding to reports of a potential trade, Fisher pushed back on the speculation: “The Steelers are ‘loading up’? What do you think the Commanders are doing?”
He emphasized McLaurin’s value, noting that he has delivered five straight 1,000-yard seasons for Washington, including an impressive 1,096 yards on 82 receptions with 13 touchdowns in 2024.
The biggest hurdle to a trade, according to Fisher, is McLaurin’s central role in Washington’s offense. “He’s as key as anyone on that roster this side of [QB] Jayden Daniels in D.C.’s plan to make a Super Bowl run,” he explained, making it clear that a move to Pittsburgh is highly unlikely “from Washington’s perspective.”
McLaurin’s contract standoff
McLaurin and Washington have been locked in stalled contract negotiations all offseason. The star receiver is entering the final year of his three-year, $68.4 million deal and is seeking a significant pay raise.
While talks remain at an impasse, Fisher believes the Commanders still envision McLaurin as a long-term piece in their offense. “The vision of him [McLaurin] continuing to hook up with Daniels, maybe for the rest of his career, is the Washington ideal,” he said. “Even though suddenly, Pittsburgh has visions of a Rodgers-to-McLaurin pairing.”
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