Commanders Named 'Perfect' Landing Spot For Steelers Standout

Newsweek

2 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
As training camp nears, the Washington Commanders are one of many teams dealing with a key player holding out for a new contract. While they attempt to rectify their own situation, they've been tossed out as a possible landing spot for another disgruntled high-level talent.
Coming off a season where he notched 1,096 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns, Terry McLaurin is in search of a new deal with the Commanders. He is currently in the final year of his contract and is seeking some form of long-term commitment from Washington. Though the franchise has been confident they'll work things out with the star receiver, recent updates suggest both sides are still far apart in discussions.
Also read: NFL Insider Has Troubling Update on Commanders' Terry McLaurin Situation
T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a play against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at Acrisure Stadium on September 18, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a play against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at Acrisure Stadium on September 18, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Photo byAcross the NFL, another team going through a similar situation is the Pittsburgh Steelers. As they attempt to contend in 2025, they are at odds with star linebacker T.J. Watt. He too is currently set to become a free agent at the end of this season.
In a recent column for Fox Sports, David Helman tossed out potential landing spots for players currently holding out for new deals. While discussing Watt, the Commanders were viewed as a team that should pursue him if he's made available.
"If Washington were to trade Terry McLaurin, they'd be opening some financial wiggle room to add another lucrative player," Helman wrote. "They could get at least two, if not three, years of play out of Watt before they have to worry about extending Jayden Daniels. They definitely need the pass rush help. Watt would give Dan Quinn a blue chip player, which he doesn't really have right now, on his Commanders' defense. Adding him to a pass rush that currently includes Frankie Luvu, Dorance Armstrong, Deatrich Wise and Clelin Ferrell would upgrade the Washington pass rush from 'so-so' to outright dangerous."
Also read: Commanders Wideout Spotted With Viral Trainer Amid Online Criticism
Watt, a four-time All-Pro and former Defensive Player of the Year, is one of the top players in the NFL on that side of the ball. Adding a talent of his caliber would drastically raise Washington's ceiling as they attempt to contend in the NFC. Landing Watt could also help bolster the Commander's run defense, something they're trying to improve in 2025.
Seeing that he is still a high-impact player in the league, it's unlikely the Steelers move on from Watt this year. That said, it's still a situation worth monitoring for a team like Washington.
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