The recent news of All-Pro wide receiver Terry McLaurin requesting a trade from the Washington Commanders has ignited a flurry of speculation across the National Football League, prompting an immediate social media outreach from a familiar face.
McLaurin, entering the final season of his three-year, $68.4 million contract, has been actively seeking a new long-term deal. His decision to initially skip training camp practices, followed by a ‘hold-in’ this week, culminated in the formal trade request on Thursday, signaling a potential shift in his NFL future.
Amidst this unfolding drama, Cleveland Browns’ star cornerback Denzel Ward wasted no time in publicly recruiting his former Ohio State teammate. Ward’s post on X (formerly Twitter) emphatically stated, “My Ohio State brother Terry McLaurin would look fire in a Cleveland Browns jersey,” sparking excitement among fans about a potential reunion in the Buckeye state.
Ward and McLaurin shared the field for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 2015 to 2017. While McLaurin redshirted in 2014, he joined Ward on the field the following year, establishing a bond that transcends their collegiate careers and now extends into their professional aspirations.
Since their respective departures from Columbus, both athletes have carved out impressive careers in the NFL. Denzel Ward, a No. 4 overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in the 2018 NFL Draft, has earned four Pro Bowl selections in seven seasons, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier cornerbacks. McLaurin, a third-round selection by Washington a year later, achieved All-Pro honors in 2024 after a stellar 13-touchdown season, playing a pivotal role in leading his team to the NFC Championship game.
A prospective trade for Terry McLaurin, who will turn 30 in September, would undoubtedly represent a substantial investment for any interested franchise, particularly the Cleveland Browns. Given his elite production and contract demands, any acquisition would come at a premium cost in terms of draft capital and salary commitment.
Despite the palpable desire for a reunion expressed by Ward, the practicalities of such a move appear challenging for the Cleveland Browns. The organization is currently navigating its own long-term quarterback situation, and committing significant resources to another high-priced offensive talent like McLaurin might prove prohibitive at this juncture, making a immediate on-field reunion for the former Ohio State Buckeyes stars seem unlikely.
Nonetheless, the notion of Terry McLaurin joining the Cleveland Browns remains a compelling thought for fans, highlighting the enduring camaraderie forged during their formative years with the Ohio State Buckeyes and the exciting possibilities that professional football can sometimes present, even if remote.
