The moment Washington Commanders fans were fearfully anticipating has finally arrived, as star wide receiver Terry McLaurin has requested a trade from the franchise. After making his desire for a new contract clear all offseason, the franchise’s refusal to extend him has officially reached a boiling point. Now, the receiver who once said he never wanted to leave Washington is asking to be traded.
Of course, McLaurin is still under contract for the Commanders for one more season, and the team has made it clear they have no intention of moving him. However, the receiver’s trade request now increases the intensity of this saga that fans wish never started.
Terry McLaurin requested a trade, as @Schultz_Report also reported. pic.twitter.com/USLMPGiPwt
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 31, 2025
Terry McLaurin requests trade after failed contract talks
McLaurin, who will be 30 in September, is entering year seven in the NFL, and is coming off the second Pro Bowl season of his career. In 2024, he caught 82 passes for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns, helping the Commanders have a magical season that ended in a NFC Championship appearance.
That season was just the peak of McLaurin’s six-year career with Washington, after being drafted by the team in the third round of the 2019 Draft. Since arriving, he has been everything any team could want on and off the field. He quickly established himself as a top receiver in the game, and has also been a model citizen and fan favorite. That’s why everyone agrees he should be extended.
McLaurin has made that argument all offseason, but he and Washington haven’t been able to get on the same page. The normally reserved wideout has taken just about every approach to get a new deal from the team, from airing out his feelings to the media, to holding out, to reporting for camp and holding in, and now the trade request.
Of course, a request is just that; there’s no guarantee it will be granted. Many players have requested trades and ultimately remained with their teams. The Commanders will likely argue this will be no different. However, other teams will surely do their part and call Washington about the star receiver. If the Commanders want to stop those calls, and make their franchise player happy ahead of what could be an even better season than last year, they need to pay McLaurin.