Former NFL Champion Links AFC Contender to Commanders Star WR
Will Blackmon, a former NFL cornerback and current analyst, recently made headlines with his trade request for the Pittsburgh Steelers to target Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin. The request came as a surprise to many, as Blackmon is not typically known for making bold statements or controversial opinions. However, his reasoning behind the trade request has sparked a debate among fans and analysts alike.
In his statement, Blackmon argued that McLaurin would be a perfect fit for the Steelers offense. He highlighted McLaurin’s speed, route-running ability, and hands as reasons why he would be a valuable asset to the team. Blackmon also pointed out that McLaurin has proven himself to be a reliable and consistent receiver in his three years in the league, despite playing on a struggling Washington Commanders team.
Many fans and analysts have agreed with Blackmon’s assessment of McLaurin’s talent and potential impact on the Steelers offense. McLaurin has quickly established himself as one of the top wide receivers in the league, and his numbers speak for themselves. In his rookie season, McLaurin recorded 58 receptions for 919 yards and seven touchdowns. He followed that up with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2020 and 2021, despite inconsistent quarterback play and a lackluster supporting cast.
Adding McLaurin to the Steelers offense would give quarterback Ben Roethlisberger a reliable target to help bolster the passing game. With JuJu Smith-Schuster set to hit free agency, the Steelers are in need of a number one receiver to complement rising star Chase Claypool. McLaurin’s ability to stretch the field and make contested catches would provide a much-needed boost to the offense and help take some pressure off of Roethlisberger.
However, not everyone is convinced that trading for McLaurin is the right move for the Steelers. Some have raised concerns about the cost of acquiring McLaurin, as he is still under contract with the Commanders for one more year. The Commanders may demand a high price in return for their star receiver, and the Steelers may not be willing to part ways with valuable draft picks or players to make the trade happen.
Others have pointed out that the Steelers have other areas of need that should take priority over adding another wide receiver. The offensive line, in particular, has been a weak spot for the team in recent years, and addressing that position should be a top priority in the offseason. Investing in protecting Roethlisberger and improving the running game could have a bigger impact on the team’s success than adding another weapon at wide receiver.
Despite these concerns, the idea of McLaurin joining the Steelers has generated excitement among fans. The thought of McLaurin teaming up with Claypool and emerging star Najee Harris has fans dreaming of a high-powered offense that could compete with the best in the league. McLaurin’s speed and playmaking ability would add a new dimension to the Steelers offense and give defensive coordinators nightmares trying to game plan against them.
In addition to his on-field skills, McLaurin also brings leadership and professionalism to any team he joins. He is known for his work ethic and dedication to his craft, and his presence in the locker room would be a positive influence on the younger players on the team. His experience playing in big games and his ability to perform under pressure would be valuable assets to the Steelers as they look to make a deep playoff run.
Ultimately, the decision to trade for Terry McLaurin will come down to the Steelers front office and coaching staff. They will need to weigh the potential benefits of adding a player of McLaurin’s caliber against the cost of making the trade and the impact it could have on other areas of the team. If they believe that McLaurin is the missing piece that could help push the team over the top, then making the trade could be a worthwhile investment.
In conclusion, Will Blackmon’s trade request for the Pittsburgh Steelers to target Terry McLaurin has sparked a lively debate among fans and analysts. While some have raised concerns about the cost of acquiring McLaurin and the team’s other needs, many see the potential benefits of adding a dynamic playmaker like McLaurin to the offense. His speed, route-running ability, and leadership qualities make him an attractive target for any team looking to improve their roster. Only time will tell if the Steelers decide to make a move for McLaurin, but one thing is certain – his addition would make them a more dangerous team to face in the upcoming season.
Source: Newsweek