Panthers named top-5 destination for disgruntled Commanders star

Could Carolina pull off a trade for Terry McLaurin?

Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) reacts after catching a touchdown against Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Josh Hayes (32) during the fourth quarter of a NFC wild card playoff at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers have been working on the wide receiver position for three offseasons now. They tried to overhaul the position in 2023, and that failed, so they drafted a first-round WR in the 2024 draft. That didn't quite pan out, so they drafted another first-round wide receiver in 2025.

What they currently lack is a bona fide number one wide receiver. Any one of the Panthers WRs could become that, but they don't have someone they can rely on and go to when needed. That's why a trade for Terry McLaurin, who is reportedly unhappy with the Washington Commanders amid a contract dispute right now, makes sense in Last Word on Sports' David Latham's eyes.

Because the Panthers have so much unproven youth on the roster in Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, and Tetairoa McMillan, they need some veteran talent. Latham believes that Adam Thielen, the only notable vet, is very close to the end of his career, so the Panthers need some sort of succession plan.

Rather than waiting to see who develops as the number one, the Panthers can add a WR1 in McLaurin, a move that could possibly help them win the weak NFC South this season. It would also, assuming there's an extension, set their offense up well in the future.

With how unhappy McLaurin seems to be, the trade price for the wide receiver might not be as high as it normally would be. Still, the Panthers aren't quite as WR-needy as some other teams, nor are they in a good enough position to be forking over assets to make a run right now. That could make it hard for them to outbid any other teams who want McLaurin, which would probably be most clubs at this point.

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