The Pittsburgh Steelers are always in the limelight of rumors, especially during the peak of a potential Aaron Rodgers trade. This time with a what-if that has fantasy football managers salivating.

Might Washington Commanders star wide receiver Terry McLaurin be the missing element in Pittsburgh's potent offensive equation?

Terry McLaurin to Steelers in 2026 Draft Deal

NFL Trade Rumors: Steelers Could Unleash Terry McLaurin's Full Potential NFL Trade Rumors: Steelers Could Unleash Terry McLaurin's Full Potential
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Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox recently floated a hypothetical trade that has the potential to rock the AFC North. The proposed trade? Pittsburgh trades a 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder for McLaurin, who is headed into the final year of a $68.2 million extension.

At age 30, McLaurin has one final chance at a big contract. With him alongside newly signed D.K. Metcalf and veteran tight end Pat Freiermuth, the Steelers would have one of the league's most feared pass-catching groups.

To add, McLaurin decided to skip the Commanders' mandatory minicamp this time as he looks for a new contract, according to The Associated Press.

Terry McLaurin's Value Soars in Black and Gold

Despite Washington's carousel of quarterbacks, McLaurin has returned WR2 value and top-tier WR1 weeks consistently. In 2024, with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels distributing the field, McLaurin recorded a career-high efficiency. He caught 70.1% of his targets for 9.4 yards per target and 13 touchdowns.

If McLaurin were to join the Steelers, he might receive lower volume but better-quality targets. Placed opposite Metcalf and across from Freiermuth, he'd get to exploit single coverage and become a deadly YAC threat. Mix in Aaron Rodgers' pinpoint passing—even a 41-year-old Rodgers—and McLaurin might be a fantasy football league champion in 2025.

Why This Trade Might Never Happen

As much as fantasy owners want, this trade is extremely unlikely. Here's why, according to Sports Illustrated.

First, the Steelers have been stockpiling picks with an eye toward the 2025 NFL Draft, presumably looking to trade up for a future franchise QB. Trading away a first-round pick now would undermine that long-term vision.

Second, Pittsburgh recently invested a second-round pick on Metcalf. McLaurin would be expensive and possibly redundant as a roster-building move.

Third and last, Rodgers can boost McLaurin's fantasy ceiling, but the 41-year-old is short-term. The Steelers will not trade their future for a wide receiver who potentially only gets helped by top-tier QB play for one year.

Fantasy Gold, But Real-World Gamble

Terry McLaurin in Pittsburgh would be a fantasy football fan's dream come true, particularly in PPR formats. Pairing Metcalf's big-play ability, Freiermuth's consistency, and Rodgers' accuracy with age could unlock McLaurin's best fantasy season ever.

However, the Steelers' conservative front office and long-term quarterback concerns make this trade a fantasy more than a forecast. Still, if you're drafting early and McLaurin rumors persist, don't sleep on his potential to thrive, especially if he lands in a more stable offense like Pittsburgh's.