NFL Trade Idea Lands Aaron Rodgers a Disgruntled Commander
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Since last week, it became clear the Washington Commanders aren't on the greatest of terms with their star wide receiver, Terry McLaurin. Heading into the final season of his current contract, McLaurin wants a new deal before he gets going for the 2025 NFL season.
The Commanders fired up OTAs in the spring, and McLaurin made a silent statement by not being around the team. Since the sessions were voluntary, McLaurin's absence didn't hold that much weight.
The same can't be said about McLaurin's decision not to show up for this week's set of offseason practices.
Right now, there's a bit of a standstill going on. As a result, there's at least some level of doubt surrounding McLaurin's future with the Commanders.
Without a new contract in place for the veteran wideout, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox kicked around a trade idea that would gift the Pittsburgh Steelers and their new quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, the disgruntled star pass-catcher.
In the hypothetical deal, the Commanders would acquire a 2026 first-round pick from the Steelers and a 2027 fifth-round pick, which would come from the Dallas Cowboys.
Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during Minicamp at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on June 10, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during Minicamp at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on June 10, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
"If the Steelers were ever going to go all-in on a season, this is the one," Knox wrote.
"...Though Rodgers had a largely forgettable season with the Jets in 2024, he was coming back from a torn Achilles. In theory, the 41-year-old will be an upgrade over last year's duo of Fields and Russell Wilson. If the Steelers hope to make a legitimate run at a Super Bowl with Rodgers, however, they should look for all of the receiver help they can get. McLaurin, who is a pristine route-runner who can attack all areas of the field, would complement Rodgers well."
Acquiring McLaurin certainly wouldn't come cheap for Pittsburgh. However, if they want to maximize the gamble of bringing on Aaron Rodgers, who could end up being a one-year rental, McLaurin could bring a lot of value to the field.
Last season, McLaurin appeared in 17 games for the Commanders. He formed a solid connection with Washington's first-round rookie, Jayden Daniels. The veteran wideout caught 82 passes for 1,096 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. McLaurin added a second Pro Bowl nod to his resume and became an All-Pro for the first time in his career.
While picking up McLaurin in this scenario would be a move to stack up weapons for the 41-year-old Rodgers to try and win right away, the Steelers would get an opportunity to secure a proven star receiver for years to come.
So far, the Commanders haven't reached a point of no return with McLaurin. Comments from Jayden Daniels and the head coach, Dan Quinn, suggest that everybody but McLaurin's reps and the Washington front office are on the same page. McLaurin might be a holdout right now, but the Commanders seem confident that the situation will get resolved soon.
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