Should the Patriots Trade for Washington WR Terry McClaurin? (8/16 update: off PUP)[8/25: signs 3yr extension]

[Froob]

I think this will end up being much ado about nothing. Everyone’s best interest for Terry to be there and commies have the money to pay him.

 

[patfanken]

I've thought this for a while, and my stance on trading for a high price WR is almost always "hell no", but I'm turning around on this one.

We have a potentially elite QB on a cost controlled contract. Typically we think of this as a 4 year window to overspend in other areas of the roster. However, when a young QB emerges among the elite, he is almost always extended after year 3 or 4. This means our window to maximize Maye's contract value is really 2 - 3 seasons.

This timeframe may be perfect for both McLaurin and Maye. The team can absolutely afford 3yr/$90, and McLaurin will be slowing down just as the deal is ready to run out, and as Maye becomes eligible for his payday. The contract won't be prohibitive on the cap.

Perhaps the team is not "ready" for such an all in move, but often NFL teams don't progress on a linear timescale. The reality is that Maye is a franchise QB, or he's not. If he is, this team is a contender very soon, if not already. If he is not, then we'll be back here in another half decade. If the cost is something in the range of a 2nd round pick, why not go all in? It might be the best chance we get.

I get your take, but consider this. Wouldn't it make more sense, given the current state of the Pats rebuild to wait another year before spending big on a WR to make sure that Maye really is the real deal as a franchise QB. To make sure Campbell is the real deal at LT. To make sure the OL rebuild is on schedule and some continuity is starting to take place. To make sure that all the changes on the defensive side were good ones; or at least most of them were.

No, even though the experience of the 2001 season proves that ANYTHING can happen when the stars align, a McLauren type acquisition is a year too early, imho. Better to save that significant cap slot until next year when we have a better feel about the personnel and that personnel have a better feel about the staff and systems they are running

 

[Wozzy]

I'm pretty confident we do too - but it can be a HUGE boost to the development of a young QB to have a completely dependable pass catcher.

We know the Pats were in the market for WR and LT but were not the preferred destination, with Diggs being the best they could do (who, if healthy, I also think will be good.)

Rather than wait until free agency next year, when the Pats might again be snubbed regardless of their ability to pay top dollar, I'd rather see them invest in Maye now. We've seen teams like the Jets kill QB careers by not investing in the key guys around them and don't want to go down that same road. If there's a chance to give Maye a WR who he can depend upon for on average 80 receptions a year for the next 3 years, I'm all in.

That being said, Washington's signing of Von Miller for a relative bargain and the remaining cap space should allow them to stil sign McLaurin (note that players now WANT to go to DC, in part because of what McLaurin helped accomplished)

The fan base is NOT happy with these games and very much want him back

This all sounds well and good… unfortunately it’s not likely to happen.

 

[Froob]

This all sounds well and good… unfortunately it’s not likely to happen.

right now, they are nowhere close to a trade happening. the stuff from terry’s camp about being frustrated is pretty tame from stuff we’ve seen like logan mankins calling kraft a liar lol. ultimately none of this **** matters just comes down to if they can agree on a number.

 

[cstjohn17]

Boston.com article on this topic

Summary
- unlikely to happen
- framework would be similar to Metcalf’s move to the Steelers, 2nd rounder plus a few more later round picks
- contract - 4 years, $130M

What would Patriots have to give up in possible Terry McLaurin deal?

Terry McLaurin is in the midst of a contract dispute with the Commanders. Could the Patriots swoop in and get him?

www.boston.com

 

[Huckleberry1]

Spending $30MM/yr and a high draft pick on a 30 year old WR is something you do when you are already a championship contender looking for a player that will put you over the top, NOT for a team looking for "respectability".

He is a VERY good WR in both tangible and intangible ways and would be an excellent addition to any team. Maye is a second year QB who is starting brand new offense with a new OC and HC. He doesn't need a WR who will be entering his dotage just when he is entering his prime.

I agree. I really like McLaurin, and I was initially inclined to try and make the deal for him, but the more I thought about it the more my mind changed on it. You can really only pay 3, maybe 4 guys the big $30 million plus deals, and 2 of those are already ticketed for Gonzalez and Maye, which leaves 1 mega deal left, and that shouldn’t go to a guy who is already 30.

 

[Uptown]

While I’d love to acquire such a talent, he’s already 30..plus the cost to acquire him. We also have to pay Maye & Gonzo max deals. If hypothetically, it were for a WR like Jefferson, Chase, Brown, Collins, BTJ, Nabers or Nucua, you pull the trigger without hesitation. It’s wild how McClaurin’s essentially already 30 years old; that flew by.

 

[cstjohn17]

While I’d love to acquire such a talent, he’s already 30..plus the cost to acquire him. We also have to pay Maye & Gonzo max deals. If hypothetically, it were for a WR like Jefferson, Chase, Brown, Collins, BTJ, Nabers or Nucua, you pull the trigger without hesitation. It’s wild how McClaurin’s essentially already 30 years old; that flew by.

As my man Huckleberry mentioned, I respectfully disagree. The Pats have $60 M in cap space and have a clear lack of playmakers. In reality NFL teams have an ability to turn things around pretty quickly. Gonzo is not a free agent until 2028 and Maye 2029 and plus there are franchise tags.

He won’t become available but if he does Pats should be at the front of the lline.

 

[cstjohn17]

Per Fox Sports

Source: Terry McLaurin Trying to Bring Deal Together, Not Break Commanders Apart | FOX Sports

Terry McLaurin has been asking for an extension, but Washington remains mum. Here's what the All-Pro is thinking as camp opens.

www.foxsports.com

Patriots Roster Analysis

NFL on ESPN - Scores, Stats and Highlights

Visit ESPN for NFL live scores, video highlights and latest news. Stream Monday Night Football on ESPN and play Fantasy Football.

www.espn.com

 

[imahobgoblin]

Wait to see what you have in Kyle Williams, DeMeer Blankumse, Jeremiah Webb and Efton Chism first… you might have some good WR’s already and don’t have to overpay.

I have no idea what has gotten into you, but wow we actually agree. This is a brilliant post. Most people want a flash in the pan now. Let's wait. Let's grow the team together and see how the pieces we have work out. Now that Diggs is fully cleared, we have a WR with solid potential, but that is all it is right now. If Williams does not emerge as the #1, we can keep looking in the draft and FA.

 

[Wozzy]

I have no idea what has gotten into you, but wow we actually agree. This is a brilliant post. Most people want a flash in the pan now. Let's wait. Let's grow the team together and see how the pieces we have work out. Now that Diggs is fully cleared, we have a WR with solid potential, but that is all it is right now. If Williams does not emerge as the #1, we can keep looking in the draft and FA.

I see that "Patriot Roster analysis weakness" list above and wonder how anyone can know what we have or vote us league worst weapons. Based upon what... last year's results? The roster is almost completely different and the front office did a great job only keeping the good elements of this offense. League worst weapons?

Based off my best case result depth chart and knowing some will disagree...

TE – Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, CJ Dippre, Jaheim Bell (FB),
BIG RB – Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson,
FAST RB – TreVeyon Henderson, Lan Larison,
BIG WR – Stefon Diggs, Kendrick Bourne,
FAST WR – Kyle Williams, DeMeer Blankumsee,
SLOT WR – Demario Douglas, Efton Chism,

TE - Hunter Henry the last time he played under McDaniels led the entire NFL in TD's by a TE. He is far from league average, he's been in a terrible situation since he came to New England. Hooper is a really good role player, solid in pass protection and is reliable as a receiver... better than most backup TE's. Dippre is stupid big, athletic and strong... he could be the steal of the UDFA's if "blocking TE" alone was considered its own position. He should have been drafted by someone, but he was a solid addition... he still has to prove it but he has great coaching and two really good role models in front of him. League worst?

RB - Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson are better than league average starters, They need better blocking and scheme... this isn't single's tennis. Assuming Henderson and Larsson can add some wiggle to this room, I'd say this RB room is downright deep with talent. Not a single one is Saquon Barkley... nobody is, but we have to be in the conversation for best units if the kids come through. We've had a great number of talented third down backs come through this program since Bob bought the team... Meggett, Faulk, Vereen, Woodhead, Burkhead, White.... they were all talented athletes. Henderson's the most athletically gifted of them all, none of them were this fast. League worst?

WR - Diggs assuming health is getting you 1000 yards receiving, he's a danger in the red zone, he's a route runner. He never relied on amazing athleticism to begin with. Demario Douglas is just an okay slot receiver? Which WR had the most receptions, receiving yards, receiving TD’s and first downs for the Patriots last season? Pop Douglas is the answer. Douglas doesn’t need to improve, the Patriots blocking and passing game needs to improve. Kyle Williams is fast, he also had a long circuitous route through college, faced some adversity and came out the other side a mature player. He proved it in the Mountain West Conference first, then he had to prove it again at Washington State. He is a mature 22 year old, that bodes well for him as an NFL rookie. He also has a vet player ahead of him in Diggs who looks like his twin bother, if Williams listens to Diggs... a guy he called his favorite NFL WR before the draft, he couldn't ask for a better teacher. Bourne has just done it, I know he's not great at any one thing, but he's good at them all and has good size. The other rookie WR's have speed and Chism has agility, if the kids come through this team has really good depth behind the starters. League worst?

I don't see league worst, I see a big unknown with a lot of talented rookie players who have to develop and contribute. A lot of NFL teams have an individual player who is better, but depth of talent often matters more than having one or two super weapons. Question marks sure... but deep units if those questions get answered and rookies contribute.

Ask me to rank them after camp and preseason when we see the final depth chart.

 

[JoeSixPat]

I see that "Patriot Roster analysis weakness" list above and wonder how anyone can know what we have or vote us league worst weapons. Based upon what... last year's results? The roster is almost completely different and the front office did a great job only keeping the good elements of this offense. League worst weapons?

Based off my best case result depth chart and knowing some will disagree...

TE – Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, CJ Dippre, Jaheim Bell (FB),
BIG RB – Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson,
FAST RB – TreVeyon Henderson, Lan Larison,
BIG WR – Stefon Diggs, Kendrick Bourne,
FAST WR – Kyle Williams, DeMeer Blankumsee,
SLOT WR – Demario Douglas, Efton Chism,

TE - Hunter Henry the last time he played under McDaniels led the entire NFL in TD's by a TE. He is far from league average, he's been in a terrible situation since he came to New England. Hooper is a really good role player, solid in pass protection and is reliable as a receiver... better than most backup TE's. Dippre is stupid big, athletic and strong... he could be the steal of the UDFA's if "blocking TE" alone was considered its own position. He should have been drafted by someone, but he was a solid addition... he still has to prove it but he has great coaching and two really good role models in front of him. League worst?

RB - Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson are better than league average starters, They need better blocking and scheme... this isn't single's tennis. Assuming Henderson and Larsson can add some wiggle to this room, I'd say this RB room is downright deep with talent. Not a single one is Saquon Barkley... nobody is, but we have to be in the conversation for best units if the kids come through. We've had a great number of talented third down backs come through this program since Bob bought the team... Meggett, Faulk, Vereen, Woodhead, Burkhead, White.... they were all talented athletes. Henderson's the most athletically gifted of them all, none of them were this fast. League worst?

WR - Diggs assuming health is getting you 1000 yards receiving, he's a danger in the red zone, he's a route runner. He never relied on amazing athleticism to begin with. Demario Douglas is just an okay slot receiver? Which WR had the most receptions, receiving yards, receiving TD’s and first downs for the Patriots last season? Pop Douglas is the answer. Douglas doesn’t need to improve, the Patriots blocking and passing game needs to improve. Kyle Williams is fast, he also had a long circuitous route through college, faced some adversity and came out the other side a mature player. He proved it in the Mountain West Conference first, then he had to prove it again at Washington State. He is a mature 22 year old, that bodes well for him as an NFL rookie. He also has a vet player ahead of him in Diggs who looks like his twin bother, if Williams listens to Diggs... a guy he called his favorite NFL WR before the draft, he couldn't ask for a better teacher. Bourne has just done it, I know he's not great at any one thing, but he's good at them all and has good size. The other rookie WR's have speed and Chism has agility, if the kids come through this team has really good depth behind the starters. League worst?

I don't see league worst, I see a big unknown with a lot of talented rookie players who have to develop and contribute. A lot of NFL teams have an individual player who is better, but depth of talent often matters more than having one or two super weapons. Question marks sure... but deep units if those questions get answered and rookies contribute.

Ask me to rank them after camp and preseason when we see the final depth chart.

Obviously they'll all fight it out in camp, though most of yours are locks barring injury. But - assuming the OL does a decent job - can McDaniels do something with this?

I think the answer is "hell yeah"

That being said, the purpose of this season is to see what we have - and as much as I'd love to have a dependable go-to WR, I think McDaniels' strategy this season will be to spread the ball to keep defenses as off balance as possible, both in the air and on the ground.

With any luck the OL plays well enough that we don't have to waste a TE as a blocker and we can further keep the D guessing.

I think part of them keeping $60 mil in cap space this year is to invest in the offense in the future, so I don't go into this season thinking this is the end of the rebuilding - but I think there's a lot of talent on this roster.

 

[Wozzy]

Obviously they'll all fight it out in camp, though most of yours are locks barring injury. But - assuming the OL does a decent job - can McDaniels do something with this?

I think the answer is "hell yeah"

Agreed, assuming health and youth development.

That being said, the purpose of this season is to see what we have - and as much as I'd love to have a dependable go-to WR, I think McDaniels' strategy this season will be to spread the ball to keep defenses as off balance as possible, both in the air and on the ground.

I think they believe and can win now if the two elements mentioned above happen. They have the talent, now it’s a matter of drawing water from the well. I don’t think they have a superstar WR currently, but they have at least 5-6 dependable WR’s who fit roles… much like the early 2000’s Super Bowl winning dynasty teams. A “star” is not necessary to win.

With any luck the OL plays well enough that we don't have to waste a TE as a blocker and we can further keep the D guessing.

I think they’ll want a blocking TE, and if Dippre can do it well he has the athleticism to be a little more than that. Every year they try to carry either 4 TE’s or 3 TE’s and a FB.

I think part of them keeping $60 mil in cap space this year is to invest in the offense in the future, so I don't go into this season thinking this is the end of the rebuilding - but I think there's a lot of talent on this roster.

You can only bring 90 guys to camp and ultimately 53 on the roster. During camp you can only develop so many rookies and young guys while still getting your starters and vets up to speed.

The front office did a great job building the roster this offseason, the coaches still have to do their jobs and make them all execute… but the tools are there. The offensive line tools simply didn’t exist on last year’s team.

 

[Triumph]

The Pats landing McLaurin does not work because Diggs would go off the rails over his compensation.

They are virtually the same type of player. Diggs has 5.5 million in incentives to earn plus the majority of his money is in 2026 and 2027 salary. 41 million combined. McLaurin would take receptions away from Diggs causing trouble.

 

[PatsFan2]

The Pats landing McLaurin does not work because Diggs would go off the rails over his compensation.

They are virtually the same type of player. Diggs has 5.5 million in incentives to earn plus the majority of his money is in 2026 and 2027 salary. 41 million combined. McLaurin would take receptions away from Diggs causing trouble.

Can they both just get along.

 

[TommyD4207]

The Pats landing McLaurin does not work because Diggs would go off the rails over his compensation.

They are virtually the same type of player. Diggs has 5.5 million in incentives to earn plus the majority of his money is in 2026 and 2027 salary. 41 million combined. McLaurin would take receptions away from Diggs causing trouble.

One's coming off an ACL,. and the other's coming off an 80 catch, 1100 yard, 13 TD season.

Diggs signed here because it was by far the best deal he was going to get.

 

[PatsFan2]

One's coming off an ACL,. and the other's coming off an 80 catch, 1100 yard, 13 TD season.

Diggs signed here because it was by far the best deal he was going to get.

And I wanted him here.

 

[Pape]

Commanders put Terry McLaurin on did not report list, Sam Cosmi on PUP list

Wide receiver Terry McLaurin is officially holding out of training camp.

www.nbcsports.com

McLaurin did not report to camp... kinda an idiot move tbh... agent is giving him bad advice... he should be doing what Micah Parsons is doing in Dallas... Report to camp, have a "sore back" and stage a hold in... avoid those excessive fines for not reporting...

 

[PatsFan2]

Commanders put Terry McLaurin on did not report list, Sam Cosmi on PUP list

Wide receiver Terry McLaurin is officially holding out of training camp.

www.nbcsports.com

McLaurin did not report to camp... kinda an idiot move tbh... agent is giving him bad advice... he should be doing what Micah Parsons is doing in Dallas... Report to camp, have a "sore back" and stage a hold in... avoid those excessive fines for not reporting...

IF it gets' ugly with him and them: I hope we are very interested. It's not like we couldn't use him.

 

[Love The Drake]

Commanders put Terry McLaurin on did not report list, Sam Cosmi on PUP list

Wide receiver Terry McLaurin is officially holding out of training camp.

www.nbcsports.com

McLaurin did not report to camp... kinda an idiot move tbh... agent is giving him bad advice... he should be doing what Micah Parsons is doing in Dallas... Report to camp, have a "sore back" and stage a hold in... avoid those excessive fines for not reporting...

was said they will continue to have talks they value him and the kind of person and player he is. Doubt they move him.