Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin skipped Phase 3 of the offseason program and the team’s mandatory minicamp while he negotiates an extension on his current contract. While it’s a natural reaction for some in the media and fans to always overreact to slow-moving contract negotiations, this one is different. Terry McLaurin is not going anywhere.
Why is it different? McLaurin is Washington’s No. 1 receiver and one of the 10 best in the NFL. He’s coming off a contract year and is integral to quarterback Jayden Daniels’ continued development. There are other factors, too. McLaurin means more to Washington than perhaps any receiver does to his franchise. McLaurin is the Commanders’ identity. He’s been with the team during the worst times, produced, and never complained. McLaurin is a respected leader, appreciated by coaches, teammates and fans. Oh, and he wants to remain in Washington.
So why hasn’t a deal gotten done?
Negotiations can sometimes be tricky. One area that is probably used against McLaurin right now is his age. While he’s shown no signs of slowing down anytime soon, he will be 30 in September. Is that unfair? Yes, but every side will use any bit of leverage to strike a favorable deal.
CBS Sports recently played a game of “overreaction or reality” on whether McLaurin will be with the team in Week 1. CBS wisely chose overreaction:
Terry McLaurin is holding out over a contract dispute, as he’s entering the final year of his contract. Due a significant raise, McLaurin currently has a base salary of $15.5 million with a cap hit of $25.5 million — the final year of a three-year, $68.4 million deal.
This is typical business between McLaurin and the Commanders, as both sides went through a similar situation prior to McLaurin’s last extension. The Commanders don’t seem too concerned about it, but the market has certainly changed since McLaurin’s last extension.
Is McLaurin worth $30 million a year after coming off a career-high 13 touchdowns? McLaurin finally has a quarterback who can get him the ball consistently and allow him to put up numbers worthy of what a $30 million wide receiver makes. The Commanders would be foolish to let this holdout drag on.
Good chance this holdout ends sooner rather than later.
This one will end — and soon. Three years ago, McLaurin skipped minicamp and had a new three-year extension later that month. While it may not get done this month, it will get done before training camp begins next month. Many aren’t mentioning that McLaurin did not skip the entire offseason program. He was with the team in the first two phases of the offseason.
McLaurin will be with the team and get the money he’s earned. Relax.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders WR Terry McLaurin will be ready for Week 1