Should Buffalo Bills Trade for Washington's Terry McLaurin?

Training camp is flying by for the Buffalo Bills, who return to Western New York today for the Return of the Blue and Red Scrimmage at Highmark Stadium. Their first preseason game is Saturday, August 9, at home against the New York Giants. The Bills are once again a Super Bowl favorite with reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen leading the charge.

The team made significant upgrades to its defense this offseason. They also improved, on paper anyway, their offensive weapons by signing receivers Joshua Palmer and Elijah Moore, both of whom bring separation skills to the field. That was an area the Bills excelled in last season, though they still managed to be the top-ranked offense, so it wasn't a major deterrent. Still, they seem to have made improvements, but might they want to make more?

Should the Buffalo Bills Trade for Washington's Terry McLaurin? Keep Scrolling ⬇️⬇️⬇️

While the offense doesn't seem like it really needs anything else, several fans and pundits have been calling for a legitimate #1 receiver to be added since trading away Stefon Diggs. They tried Amari Cooper last season, who helped free up the other receivers but had limited production. This season, they are banking on Palmer as well as Keon Coleman to lead the way, with Kalil Shakir doing a stellar job in the slot, as he does. However, Palmer has not had a breakout season yet, nor has Coleman, though many feel he might be about to burst this year.

If the Bills want a number 1 receiver added to their roster, and that's a big if, it's not an easy thing to do. #1 receivers don't just appear and aren't easy to find in Free Agency or via trades. But, a #1 has just become availabl,e and many fans want the Bills to go after it.

Washington's Terry McLaurin Requested a Trade

Terry McLaurin is a number 1 receiver. While his stats aren't massive, they are impressive. He's had five straight 1,000-yard+ seasons. His rookie year is the only season he didn't eclipse 1,000 yards, but he still managed 919.

What's even more impressive and shows you how good he really is: McLaurin did this while having ELEVEN starting quarterbacks in six seasons. No matter who was under center, McLaurin found success and made plays. He really didn't get quality quarterback play until last season with rookie Jayden Daniels, and with him, he put up similar yards, but exploded for a career high 13 touchdowns.

Imagine if he had arguably the top Quarterback in the NFL throwing to him in Josh Allen. Well, that's a possibility because McLaurin has asked for a trade.

Why did Terry McLaurin Ask for a Trade?

Terry McLaurin asked for a trade because he cannot get a new contract, to his liking, from the Commanders. It's something Bills fans are familiar with because running back James Cook wants a new deal as well. So any team trading for him would need to work out a new deal. It's unclear what that would look like, but to give you a sense, the top-paid receiver in the league is Jamar Chase, who makes around $40 million a season.

Can he get that much? No, likely not. McLaurin is 30 years old, and while he's far from the end, he hasn't had the production of a Chase, and Chase is younger. He is currently expected to make a little under $20 million this year. I would guess he's looking to make $30 million a year.

Should the Buffalo Bills Trade for Washington's Terry McLaurin?

Should and would are kind of different questions. In my opinion, I don't think the Bills would trade for him. It's not that they don't want him; it's just that a $30-$35 million a year deal is a lot for a player that Josh Allen throws to. I think the Bills believe that they don't need a bona fide #1 on a team with Josh, because Allen will get the ball to just about anyone. Yes, McLaurin could make that a lot easier, but I think they see the guys they brought in along with Coleman as the answer to making Josh's life easier. They specialize in separation and, in Coleman's case, being physical and winning battles. If Palmer and Moore get open, which is their specialty and many feel they've simply been underutilized by their former teams, then Allen will have plenty of space to throw. If Coleman makes the leap this season to become a #1, then their answer is already in-house. That's the scenario I believe the Bills want and think they likely have.

Should they, though, trade for McLaurin? Regardless of what I may think, they believe. It depends on what the trade looks like, right? Plenty of people will say things like trade Cook for McLaurin. That would be a lot cheaper for the Commanders to sign him, but it always would be cheaper for the Bills to keep Cook, too.

Here's a trade scenario:

Maybe that would work?

I think if the Bills are NOT going to keep James Cook, now or later, then yes, they should trade for McLaurin. If they don't value running back as a premium paying position, and they would not be wrong for that, then allocate it to receiver. If I'm going to spend a lot of money on a playmaker, then let it be a receiver and let Josh Allen have an easier time throwing the ball.

I think Cook is great. I don't think he's Saquon Barkley or Derek Henry great, though. He's not an every-down back. In his defense, he's trying to become one, but let's remember the Bills seem to like a committee in the backfield, much like their defensive line. I've never believed the Bills want an every-down back. They want tools and situational players for that position, and Cook is awesome doing that. So are Ray Davis and Ty Johnson. It's never made sense, from my perspective, for them to pay a premium for Running Back. Pay well, sure. If Cook were to sign for $10 million a year, I think it would be a done deal. But he seems to want Squon money, and I just don't see the Bills doing that, nor do I think they should. I think wide receiver makes more sense to invest in with Josh Allen. If they didn't have Josh? Different story. Think Tyrod and Shady McCoy.

They do seem to like every down receivers, which makes sense because Josh needs to know where to throw the ball, and mixing that up often can mess up his rhythm. So, I'm all for going after Terry McLaurin, pending what is being given up.

What about you? Pat@WBUF.com