Last season, the Washington Commanders were one of the biggest stories in the NFL following their shocking run that almost ended with a Super Bowl appearance. They remain in headlines now, but not for the reasons that they want.

Like most teams, the Commanders found themselves with a player intent on signing a new contract before training camp. While other front offices have been able to end their holdouts, that has not been the case in Washington. With the 2025 season just around the corner, things have hit a fever pitch between Terry McLaurin and the Commanders.

Also read: Shocking Update Emerges on Commanders WR Terry McLaurin

McLaurin was absent from minicamp, and after missing the opening days of training camp, he eventually made his return. Though he’s back with the team, the star wideout is limited due to an ankle injury.

Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders runs the ball to score a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 26, 2025 in Philadelphia,… Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders runs the ball to score a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 26, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles beat the Commanders 55-23. Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images

Although he made his long-awaited return, McLaurin and the Commanders are still at odds. The two sides are so far apart in talks that reports emerged Thursday that he has requested a trade out of Washington.

Following the news of his trade request, Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton put together multiple frameworks for the Commanders’ wideout. In one scenario, they ship him to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a second-round pick and Jakobi Meyers.

“Last year, Meyers proved that he can be a go-to target in a passing attack after Davante Adams requested a trade from Las Vegas. The seventh-year wideout went on to record career highs in catches (87) and receiving yards (1,027). Commanders quarterback Jayen Daniels can depend on Meyers as his most reliable target,” Moton wrote. “From the Raiders’ perspective, McLaurin would be an upgrade over Meyers. McLaurin has racked up 1,000-plus receiving yards in five consecutive terms, while Meyers has only one such season in his career.”

Dating back to his days with the New England Patriots, Meyers has been a fairly consistent wide receiver. He is also coming off his best year in the pros with the Raiders, racking up his first 1,000-yard season while also scoring four touchdowns.

Also read: NFL Insiders Shut Down Any Possibility of Terry McLaurin Trade

Though Meyers is a promising receiver, the Commanders’ top priority should be retaining McLaurin. He’s proven to be a strong complement to quarterback Jayden Daniels and is a pillar of the franchise. Having to move on from him would be a crushing blow for a team looking to get closer to contending for a championship.

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