The New England Patriots have been linked to a possible trade for two-time Pro Bowler wide receiver Terry McLaurin of the Washington Commanders. The 29-year-old has produced 1,000 receiving yards in five of his last six NFL seasons despite high turnover at quarterback for the team. He also hasn’t missed a game in his last four seasons.

McLaurin represents a massive boost to the Patriots’ offense. In the offseason, the Patriots signed Stefon Diggs to a three-year, $63.5 million deal to be the team’s No. 1 receiver. However, he has caused quite a stir on social media and is linked to a wide range of trade rumors. Diggs is also coming off a torn ACL. The Patriots could be looking at McLaurin to take the pressure off Diggs.

On paper, the Patriots are a strong option for the Commanders if they choose to trade McLaurin before the regular season begins. The star wideout is negotiating with the Commanders on a new contract as he plays out the final year of his three-year, $68 million contract. If the Patriots are able to trade for him, can they afford to sign Terry McLaurin to a long-term contract?

Can the Patriots Afford to Trade for Terry McLaurin?

According to Spotrac, the Patriots currently have $61 million in cap space this season. As one of the few teams that could afford to sign him, Joel Corry of CBS Sports, a former sports agent, did the math and concluded that Ja’Marr Chase has set the bar for McLaurin’s asking price.

“Ja’Marr Chase sets the bar for wide receiver compensation,” Corry explained. “He became the league’s highest-paid non-quarterback with the four-year, $161 million extension averaging $40.25 million per year. … Chase’s deal has $109.8 million of guarantees, where $73.9 million was fully guaranteed at signing.”

Another important recent development is the four-year extension DK Metcalf signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers after he was traded there in March. The deal will pay Metcalf an average of $33 million a year with $80 million overall guaranteed.

The Patriots have been crystal clear about providing QB Drake Maye with the offensive weapons he needs to improve. Many NFL critics are predicting the Patriots will return to the playoffs in 2025. There is a lot of confidence growing in New England. However, it’s not just McLaurin’s asking price that matters. The Commanders’ asking price for him could be a dealbreaker as well.

What Does a Patriots Trade for Terry McLaurin Look Like?

Mitchel Lilani of Bleacher Report speculated that the Patriots could trade Kendrick Bourne and a second-round draft pick to the Commanders for Terry McLaurin. That seems low to a lot of NFL critics, but the real question isn’t if the Patriots are willing to trade this or that player or draft pick. The real question is if the Commanders have actually put McLaurin on the trade block.

There is no confirmation that the Commanders are even shopping McLaurin for a trade. As of this writing, the two parties are locked in a contract dispute. SB Nation’s Hog Haven reported that Commanders GM Adam Peters stated that he wants McLaurin to be a “Commander for life.” He has gone so far as to say the discussions with McLaurin’s agent are “really positive.”

If the New England Patriots want to trade for Terry McLaurin, the hangup will likely be his asking price. If the Commanders solve the contract dispute with him, McLaurin will be a free agent after the 2025 season. The Patriots may choose to wait to try to sign him in a year. There will be more competition for him, but a lot can also happen by next spring.

The Patriots continue to be red-hot on the rumor mill, but nothing is confirmed. Until there are concrete updates regarding his contract situation with the Commanders, the Patriots will need to wait and see on a potential trade for Terry McLaurin.