NFL Insiders Reportedly 'Doubt' Terry McLaurin's Trade Market Amid Contract Rumors

The trade market for Terry McLaurin might be somewhat tepid even if the Washington Commanders were more willing to deal their star wide receiver, according to ESPN's John Keim.

Keim echoed earlier reporting and said the Commanders have no plans to move McLaurin. In addition, the two-time Pro Bowler's value outside of Washington may not be all that high.

"Even if they wanted to, there's doubt, according to coaches, agents and executives around the league, about whether another team would be willing to trade for McLaurin — and then pay him what he wants," Keim wrote.

The expected cost of an extension for McLaurin is presumably the biggest factor scaring off prospective suitors.

ESPN's Adam Schefter estimated in July the 29-year-old "wants considerably more than" the $33 million annual payout DK Metcalf secured from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported last week that Washington, for its part, prefers to reach a figure that's "only been slightly above where he was from before, which is $23 million."

McLaurin has eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last five seasons, and much of that production came as the Commanders had a revolving door at quarterback. Asking for a pay raise is more than reasonable.

Having said that, Metcalf is two years younger than McLaurin, and handing big contracts to receivers approaching their 30s can backfire. Even elite pass-catchers can fall off in a big way once they hit the wrong end of the aging curve.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Mike Evans has a better track record than McLaurin and he settled on a deal with an average salary of $20.5 million last offseason.

Any team acquiring McLaurin has to bake a long-term extension into the overall cost. Not only are you sending one, maybe two good draft picks to the Commanders, but you're also committing upwards of $30 million annually for the next few years.

It's not a surprise that general managers would balk at the total outlay required.