Terry McLaurin: In Request Trade | PUP List | Training Camp Holdout

Terry McLaurin has been the heart and soul of the Washington Commanders’ offense since his breakout rookie year. Known for his precise route-running, elite separation ability, and leadership on and off the field, McLaurin has become a fan favorite in D.C. However, things have taken a dramatic turn in the 2025 offseason. Reports now suggest that McLaurin has requested a trade, is listed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, and is holding out from training camp — a trifecta of developments that could reshape the Commanders’ future.

In this article, we’ll break down the details behind each storyline, analyze what it means for McLaurin and the Commanders, and explore potential landing spots if a trade does materialize.

Who is Terry McLaurin?

Before diving into the controversy, let’s revisit who Terry McLaurin is and why his situation matters so much to Washington and the NFL.

• Position: Wide Receiver

• Age: 29 (Born September 15, 1996)

• Height/Weight: 6’0″, 210 lbs

• College: Ohio State

• NFL Debut: 2019 (3rd Round, Pick 76)

Since joining the league, McLaurin has been one of the most consistent wide receivers despite inconsistent quarterback play. In his first five NFL seasons, he totaled:

• Receptions: 425+

• Yards: 5,500+

• Touchdowns: 30+

• 1,000-yard seasons: 4

Nicknamed “Scary Terry,” his elite speed, toughness, and professionalism have made him a locker-room leader and one of the most respected wideouts in the game.

The Trade Request: Why Now?

News broke earlier this week that McLaurin has formally requested a trade from the Washington Commanders. While the team hasn’t confirmed this publicly, several reliable NFL insiders (such as Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport) have reported that McLaurin is unhappy with his current situation.

Key Reasons Behind the Trade Request

1. Quarterback Instability
   McLaurin has caught passes from over ten quarterbacks during his time in Washington. From Dwayne Haskins and Taylor Heinicke to Carson Wentz and Sam Howell, the revolving door has limited his ability to fully showcase his talent.

2. Team Direction
   The Commanders are under a new regime with head coach Dan Quinn and GM Adam Peters. The rebuild may take years, and McLaurin may not want to wait through another “transition.”

3. Contractual Concerns
   Although McLaurin signed a 3-year, $71 million extension in 2022, the guaranteed money runs thin in 2025. He may want either a renegotiated deal or a fresh start elsewhere with a long-term commitment.

4. Frustration Over Offensive Usage
   McLaurin was underutilized at times last season due to poor quarterback play and questionable play-calling. This has added fuel to his desire for change.

PUP List Designation: How Serious is the Injury?

Just as the trade rumors began swirling, the Commanders placed McLaurin on the PUP list (Physically Unable to Perform) at the start of training camp.

What is the PUP List?

The PUP list is used for players who are recovering from football-related injuries and are not yet cleared for full participation. Players on the PUP list can’t practice but may return once medically cleared.

Reported Injury

While details are vague, it’s believed McLaurin is dealing with a nagging toe and ankle issue that he aggravated during offseason workouts. This may or may not be connected to his desire to avoid camp, but it complicates his immediate playing situation.

Training Camp Holdout: Making a Statement

Even before the PUP designation, insiders noted that McLaurin was not present for the opening days of training camp in Ashburn, Virginia. This absence is considered a “holdout”, signaling his dissatisfaction.

Possible Goals of the Holdout:

• Forcing a Trade: A strategic move to speed up negotiations.

• Preserving Health: Avoid injury risk while awaiting clarity.

• Contract Renegotiation: Creating leverage for a restructure.

Under the current CBA, players face fines for skipping mandatory practices. However, if the player is on the PUP list, he avoids penalties — giving McLaurin some legal cover for his absence.

Commanders’ Response: Hold or Trade?

The Commanders front office has remained publicly quiet, releasing only generic statements about “evaluating all roster situations.” But behind the scenes, they are in a tricky spot.

Why They Might Keep Him:

• McLaurin is the team’s best offensive player.

• Trading him sends a message of weakness to fans and the locker room.

• A new QB (Jayden Daniels or veteran bridge) will need a proven WR1.

Why They Might Trade Him:

• Avoid long-term contract drama.

• Rebuild around younger, cheaper talent.

• Acquire high-value draft picks or players.

If Washington does decide to trade him, expect them to seek at least a 1st-round pick or a premium player in return.

Potential Trade Destinations

If Terry McLaurin does hit the trade block, there will be no shortage of suitors. Here are the top five potential landing spots:

1. New England Patriots

• Need WR help for rookie QB Drake Maye.

• Bill Belichick’s successor would welcome a veteran WR1.

2. Kansas City Chiefs

• Always looking to reload around Mahomes.

• Would provide an elite weapon post-Tyreek Hill.

3. Chicago Bears

• Pairing McLaurin with Caleb Williams would be electric.

• DJ Moore + McLaurin = top-tier WR duo.

4. Houston Texans

• C.J. Stroud would thrive with McLaurin alongside Nico Collins and Tank Dell.

• Immediate Super Bowl aspirations.

5. Baltimore Ravens

• Still need WR consistency behind Mark Andrews.

• Gives Lamar Jackson a proven veteran threat.

Fan Reaction: Mixed Emotions

Washington fans are shocked and frustrated. McLaurin was viewed as a foundational piece — someone who stuck with the team through turmoil. Social media reactions range from:

• Supportive: “He deserves better. Free Scary Terry.”

• Critical: “He signed a deal. Time to honor it.”

• Hopeful: “Let’s get a king’s ransom and move on.”

Reddit Thread Example (r/Commanders):

“If we lose Terry, it’s going to be hard to root for this team. He’s one of the few bright spots.”

What Happens Next?

The next few weeks will be critical. Here’s a breakdown of what to watch:

1. Medical Evaluation

Will McLaurin pass his physical and come off the PUP list?

2. Trade Offers

Will the Commanders entertain offers before preseason?

3. Locker Room Impact

How will teammates respond? Players like Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel may be thrust into leadership roles.

4. Ownership Pressure

New ownership under Josh Harris wants to rebuild the team’s image. Handling the McLaurin saga poorly could damage fan relations further.

Terry McLaurin Career Stats (2019–2024)

Data Source: Pro Football Reference

Final Thoughts

Terry McLaurin’s trade request, combined with his PUP list designation and training camp absence, has thrown the Commanders into offseason chaos. Whether this ends with a trade, a contract extension, or a quiet return to action, the outcome will have major implications for Washington’s rebuild and McLaurin’s legacy.

For now, all eyes are on Ashburn as the drama continues to unfold. Will Scary Terry suit up in Burgundy and Gold this fall — or will he be catching touchdowns somewhere else?