There's a palpable buzz surrounding the New England Patriots in their first training camp under new head coach Mike Vrabel. Expectations are high for quarterback Drake Maye, and it finally feels like the team is ready to take a step forward toward playoff contention.
Getting Maye weapons has been a priority. On top of using high draft picks on Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, New England also brought in Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins. Aside from Diggs, however, none of these players have shown the type of No. 1 wideout ability that could elevate the offense and make life easier for Maye.
Fortunately for the Patriots, a 29-year-old star is suddenly available after a surprise trade request. In one new projected deal, New England acquires the perfect player who could immediately make this a Wild Card team.
Patriots Trade for Commanders WR Terry McLaurin in Projected Move
In this projected move, the Patriots acquire Washington Commanders wideout Terry McLaurin in exchange for former second-round pick Ja'Lynn Polk, a third-round selection, and a fourth-round one. McLaurin made waves on Thursday by officially requesting a trade amid a contract dispute, giving New England an ideal opportunity to swoop in and bring him to the AFC.
McLaurin has five consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards despite mostly playing with mediocre quarterbacks. He earned his first All-Pro selection last year, scoring a career-high 13 TDs in the process. A McLaurin and Diggs duo would rank among the best in the sport, giving Maye an elite combination while maintaining solid depth in Baker, who is having a strong camp, DeMario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne, and rookie Kyle Williams.
Polk fairly obviously needs a change of scenery. He suffered through a dreadful rookie year, catching just 12 of 33 targets for 87 yards and two TDs. The former Washington star could develop in Washington with Jayden Daniels, and it looks like his path to playing time in New England is complicated at best.
The Patriots have two fourth-round selections in 2026, and in this move, they send the Kansas City Chiefs' pick, allowing them to keep their own. It's a fair price to pay for McLaurin and is absolutely a deal the organization should consider if the Commanders are willing to play ball.
We'll see what happens, but here's hoping the front office is already working the phones, trying to bring McLaurin to town.