The Washington Commanders won't have wide receiver Terry McLaurin for the rest of 2026 after he tore his patellar tendon against the San Francisco 49ers. It's a massive loss, and it could push general manager Adam Peters into exploring a trade for Brian Thomas Jr.
While making incoming trades at 1-4-1 isn't the norm, it's a logical solution when you factor everything into the equation.
Thomas is currently out of favor with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was benched during their game against the Houston Texans in London, sitting on the sidelines for the entire second half. Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers are well ahead of him in the pecking order, so a fresh start may be needed.
Commanders' trade for Brian Thomas Jr. looks more realistic after Terry McLaurin blow
The 2024 first-round pick has a strong bond with quarterback Jayden Daniels from their time together at LSU. That connection matters, and getting the chance to reunite in Washington would be tempting if the compensation isn't too much.
Just what the Jaguars will want in return is debatable. But Thomas' stock is plummeting right now.
Cashing in is the only option, especially since there is almost no chance his fifth-year option will be picked up.
The Commanders might decide to rely on what they have, potentially signing either Van Jefferson Jr. or Jaden Bradley from the practice squad. But Peters might also be thinking about the bigger picture.
McLaurin has been a cornerstone for Washington since he was drafted as a third-round steal in 2019. However, torn patellar tendons typically take around a year to fully heal, and with the player having no more guaranteed money on his contract, the Commanders could use this opportunity to make him a salary-cap sacrifice.
That would be heartbreaking for fans, but Peters runs things like a business. That's why he fought so hard to make McLaurin's extension team-friendly.
NFC East mess could provoke Commanders into Brian Thomas Jr. trade
If McLaurin departs, which is possible, the Commanders only have third-round rookie Antonio Williams as a legitimate long-term piece of the puzzle. That won't suffice, so taking a chance on Thomas seems feasible if the price works for all parties.
Peters said he's made calls and is taking calls regarding potential trades. He's not ruling anything out, but the bye week is a good chance to make some big decisions.
And if he wants to keep Daniels happy in any post-McLaurin era, trading for Thomas could be a good way to do it.
Now, Thomas is no sure thing.
His rookie season was phenomenal, but the regression since is alarming. Linking back up with Daniels could reignite his career, but not for anything like the compensation Marvin Harrison Jr. went for when he was shipped to the Texans.
If the price is around a fourth-round pick, that becomes more realistic. But there's no telling for sure in Thomas' current situation.
The Commanders wouldn't be the only ones coveting Thomas if the Jaguars became receptive to offers. He's not playing well right now, but he's still young enough to bounce back. Any interest will only drive up the price, which isn't ideal.
Peters could decide to consolidate, perhaps even recoup draft assets, with the Commanders struggling to pick up wins again. But the NFC East is a mess right now, so this is no time for Washington to be throwing in the towel.
That makes a trade for Thomas entirely possible if they can reach middle ground. And with McLaurin's worst fears confirmed, the Commanders may not have any other option.
Watch this space, I guess...
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