Steelers Might Unleash Terry McLaurin’s Full Potential, But Proposal ‘Unlikely’ to Push—Why?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are at all times within the limelight of rumors, particularly throughout the peak of a possible Aaron Rodgers commerce. This time with a what-if that has fantasy soccer managers salivating.

Might Washington Commanders star huge receiver Terry McLaurin be the lacking ingredient in Pittsburgh’s potent offensive equation?

Terry McLaurin to Steelers in 2026 Draft Deal

Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox just lately floated a hypothetical commerce that has the potential to rock the AFC North. The proposed commerce? Pittsburgh trades a 2026 first-round decide and a 2027 fifth-rounder for McLaurin, who’s headed into the ultimate yr of a $68.2 million extension.

At age 30, McLaurin has one remaining probability at a giant contract. With him alongside newly signed D.Okay. Metcalf and veteran tight finish Pat Freiermuth, the Steelers would have one of many league’s most feared pass-catching teams.

To add, McLaurin determined to skip the Commanders’ necessary minicamp this time as he appears to be like for a brand new contract, in accordance with The Associated Press.

Terry McLaurin’s Value Soars in Black and Gold

Despite Washington’s carousel of quarterbacks, McLaurin has returned WR2 worth and top-tier WR1 weeks constantly. In 2024, with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels distributing the sphere, McLaurin recorded a career-high effectivity. He caught 70.1% of his targets for 9.4 yards per goal and 13 touchdowns.

If McLaurin had been to hitch the Steelers, he may obtain decrease quantity however better-quality targets. Placed reverse Metcalf and throughout from Freiermuth, he’d get to take advantage of single protection and turn out to be a lethal YAC risk. Mix in Aaron Rodgers’ pinpoint passing—even a 41-year-old Rodgers—and McLaurin may be a fantasy soccer league champion in 2025.

Why This Trade Might Never Happen

As a lot as fantasy homeowners need, this commerce is extraordinarily unlikely. Here’s why, in accordance with Sports Illustrated.

First, the Steelers have been stockpiling picks with a watch towards the 2025 NFL Draft, presumably seeking to commerce up for a future franchise QB. Trading away a first-round decide now would undermine that long-term imaginative and prescient.

Second, Pittsburgh just lately invested a second-round decide on Metcalf. McLaurin can be costly and presumably redundant as a roster-building transfer.

Third and final, Rodgers can increase McLaurin’s fantasy ceiling, however the 41-year-old is short-term. The Steelers won’t commerce their future for a large receiver who doubtlessly solely will get helped by top-tier QB play for one yr.

Fantasy Gold, But Real-World Gamble

Terry McLaurin in Pittsburgh can be a fantasy soccer fan’s dream come true, notably in PPR codecs. Pairing Metcalf’s big-play capacity, Freiermuth’s consistency, and Rodgers’ accuracy with age might unlock McLaurin’s greatest fantasy season ever.

However, the Steelers’ conservative entrance workplace and long-term quarterback issues make this commerce a fantasy greater than a forecast. Still, in the event you’re drafting early and McLaurin rumors persist, do not sleep on his potential to thrive, particularly if he lands in a extra secure offense like Pittsburgh’s.