After winning the Heisman Trophy at LSU in 2023, Jayden Daniels put on a show during his rookie season in the NFL. His sensational play earned him NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, and the 24-year-old dual-threat QB now has his sights set on an even bigger sophomore season.
But, that could prove to be a bit more difficult if his top receiver from last season is not at his disposal. Terry McLaurin and the Commanders have been in contract talks all summer long, but those conversations reached a crossroads last week when McLaurin requested to be traded.
The Daniels to McLaurin connection was a defining success in Daniels' rookie season
Daniels and McLaurin had great chemistry in 2024. McLaurin has seen a turnstile of quarterbacks come through Washington in his six-year career, but the Ohio State product orchestrated his best season with Daniels at the helm.
With Daniels as his signal-caller, McLaurin totaled 82 catches for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns in the regular season. His 13 touchdowns trailed only Ja'Marr Chase's 17 for the most receiving touchdowns in the NFL. It was also a career-best number for McLaurin, far exceeding his previous career high of seven in 2019.
For good measure, McLaurin then had 14 receptions for 227 yards and three touchdowns in three playoff games, helping the Commanders reach the NFC Championship Game. The Daniels to McLaurin connection was a defining success in Daniels' rookie season, and the duo could put up big numbers once again in 2025 - if McLaurin stays in town.
The 29-year-old wideout signed a three-year deal with Washington back in 2022. Entering the final season of that contract, he wants a new deal. He voiced his frustrations over the negotiations to the media in mid-July, and officially requested a trade on July 31.
His request to be traded doesn't mean he will get moved, but it's certainly worrisome for fans of the Commanders and Jayden Daniels.