The saga between the Washington Commanders and wide receiver Terry McLaurin continues as teams compete in their second preseason game, keeping the door open for a team like the Patriots to sneak in and make a blockbuster trade. He has long been connected to New England for the simple fact that they could use another game-changing receiver, but also because they have the cap space to handle his current and new contract.
It seemed more likely out of the list of disgruntled players this offseason that McLaurin was the most likely for Mike Vrabel and Co. to go after, as prioritizing the offense around Drake Maye was a focus this offseason.
However, the latest update from NFL insider Ian Rapoport hints at that chance fading away because it looks like the Commanders and McLaurin might be working toward a new deal ahead of the start of the 2025 season.
A small step: #Commanders WR Terry McLaurin is coming off the PUP list, as he's set to ramp up — the next step in returning to practice.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 16, 2025
There is no indication of progress on an extension. But with the season looming, McLaurin will begin the process of getting his body ready. pic.twitter.com/10qQFjKl4i
While that's not entirely shocking, it is far from a guarantee. This often happens with players who hold out and demand a new contract, and more often than not, nothing comes of it.
But another source that is well known to NFL fans has further confirmed a big deal is incoming for McLaurin, further putting the Patriots' chance of acquiring him in doubt.
It's looking more and more like Terry McLaurin won't be available for the Patriots to trade for
The infamous and anonymous news breaker on Twitter/X, known as Rickey, revealed what his sources have been telling him. Most NFL fans listen to him because of the number of times he has been correct in the past, making the mention of his take seem more understandable.
He suggests that there is more to the developments between the Commanders and McLaurin and that a deal is nearly done to keep him in Washington for a long time.
Spooky season 👻 is coming! Terry McLaurin will be getting a new deal from the #Commanders worth $30M per year and the extension should be completed before the season as details are still being finalized. A new deal for Scary Terry is coming! #RaiseHail #BarkingNews pic.twitter.com/wQjzQbtt3w
— Rickey (@RickeyScoops) August 16, 2025
Although Rickey is mostly anonymous and could obviously be proven wrong, the word on the internet is that he is reliable, so his take is certainly worth considering to be truthful.
It's an unfortunate development for the Patriots if a deal does come to fruition, as McLaurin would then be off the table for the foreseeable future. That might not be a bad thing, since we don't know legitimately if Vrabel had any interest in getting a trade done, nor do we know if the receiving corps desperately needed McLaurin's production.
However, the idea of a receiver room being led by Stefon Diggs and Terry McLaurin sounded like a dream come true, and perhaps it's because it was all along.