It was only a matter of time. Once reports surfaced that Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin had requested a trade amid stalled contract negotiations, media outlets quickly began speculating on potential landing spots.
Almost on cue, NFL.com's Nick Shook named six potential trade destinations for the disgruntled wideout, should Commanders general manager Adam Peters grant McLaurin's request. Unsurprisingly, the San Francisco 49ers made the shortlist.
"After a 6-11 season caused -- in part -- by a number of devastating injuries, the 49ers are feeling the pressure to produce in 2025," Shook wrote. "They've paid Brock Purdy, cleared some cap space by trading away Deebo Samuel and expect Christian McCaffrey to back to his game-breaking self this season."
Samuel, of course, was traded to Washington at a bargain price. Peters previously served as the 49ers' assistant general manager. Could he return the favor and send McLaurin to his former team?
49ers' wide receiver situation raises questions
San Francisco's wide receiver room is far from settled. Samuel is gone, Brandon Aiyuk is recovering from ACL and MCL injuries, and Jauan Jennings is seeking a new contract after being thrust into the WR1 role.
Ricky Pearsall showed flashes of potential as a rookie but is still entering only his second year in the NFL.
Adding McLaurin would instantly bolster the unit. The veteran receiver has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in each of the past five seasons, capping 2024 with a career-high 13 touchdowns.
A commitment to being competitive
For now, the 49ers have the salary cap space to make a splash, thanks to moving on from several high-priced veterans. Acquiring McLaurin would signal a clear commitment to competing at the highest level in 2025.
"McLaurin would fill out the group nicely and buy them plenty of time to be patient with Aiyuk while trotting out a threatening offense," Shook added. "Plus, after San Francisco sent Samuel to Washington to team up with McLaurin, the narrative crafted by a return shipment of McLaurin to the Bay Area would just be too juicy to ignore."
While it's unclear if Washington will honor McLaurin's trade request, the 49ers present one of the most intriguing fits.