Offensive coordinator David Blough is going to build the Washington Commanders' passing attack around wide receiver Terry McLaurin, and rightfully so. However, the second-team All-Pro cannot do it alone, and there are rumors circulating that the 2026 campaign will be his last with the team that drafted him.
Matthew Berry of NBC Sports seemed pretty convinced about McLaurin's shaky status, based on his conversations at the NFL Scouting Combine. Time will tell on that, but what cannot be disputed is the need for general manager Adam Peters to find another dynamic wideout capable of alleviating the pressure this offseason.
And there is one free agent whose skills could make him the perfect sidekick for McLaurin.
Pairing Terry McLaurin with Romeo Doubs could transform the Commanders' passing attack
Romeo Doubs is set to hit the market, and interest in his services is expected to be high. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Commanders are among those keeping a close eye on his situation. The senior insider also revealed that people around the league see the 2022 fourth-round pick as the best all-around wideout in this free-agent class.
"Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs plans to hit the market. Talks with Green Bay did not result in a new deal. He'll have several suitors. The Patriots, Commanders and Titans are closely watching his market, along with the 49ers. Doubs is considered by some evaluators to be the best all-around receiver in the group."
Doubs has ascended with every year. He may not have reached the 1,000-yard milestone yet, but he looks more than capable of achieving this objective in the right scheme. With Blough looking to emphasize explosive plays and put his primary weapons in positions to make plays after the catch, this aligns with the skill set he brings.
The Nevada product is now looking to cash in. Spotrac projects Doubs to get $12 million per season on a four-year, $48.01 million deal. This could go even higher if there is a bidding war for his services, but this is nowhere near top-tier receiver money by any stretch of the imagination.
If this is going to be McLaurin's last campaign in Washington, which is feasible despite signing a new deal last summer following a long standoff, the Commanders must do everything in their power to maximize it. Doubs won't be the only free agent receiver being considered, but he could be the most intriguing. And getting the chance to catch passes from quarterback Jayden Daniels would be a difficult proposition to turn down.
Should Brandon Aiyuk also join once he is inevitably released by the San Francisco 49ers, that gives the Commanders a potentially formidable wideout trio. It could also be the spark that propels Daniels to a completely different level.
Watch this space...