Terry McLaurin saga ends with Commanders proving they've finally grown up

With the Washington Commanders' rivals hoping for more of the chaos that plagued the franchise throughout Dan Snyder’s tenure, general manager Adam Peters quickly proved those days were over. He finally extended Terry McLaurin, signaling that grown-ups are finally in charge.

It was clear throughout the preseason that Washington's receiving corps was struggling, strengthening McLaurin's case for a new contract. However, in recent days, it has been reported that the receiver and his agent were looking to surpass the extension D.K. Metcalf signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

This was one of the first major tests Peters had faced in shaping his roster. He proved not only to be a tough negotiator, but he is also a realist.

Commanders stayed professional throughout their contract standoff with Terry McLaurin

McLaurin's extension is being reported at three years and up to $96 million. This would put him below Metcalf's average annual value (AAV), while making both the player and team satisfied.

Chris Simms from NBC Sports said, "They're in the right range that makes sense for everybody," and sees the deal actually ending up being closer to the $30 million AAV, which the team was hoping to stay around. And the biggest win is ensuring their franchise quarterback, Jayden Daniels, stays happy with his receiving weapons.

Peters and the team may have budged a bit, but it's clear that this front office did not let egos get in the way of their decision-making, juxtaposing what's happening with Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys.

Under the previous ownership group, we saw overcommitments on over-the-hill players, with the team giving out seven-year deals to Albert Haynesworth, Adam Archuleta, Deion Sanders, and Antwaan Randle El.

Haynesworth failed a physical and was benched during his short two-year tenure. Archuleta, who became the highest-paid safety at 29 years old, lasted one year, getting benched during the season and finishing without an interception. Sanders lasted one year before retiring.

The team also traded for Donovan McNabb and extended him weeks after benching him during a game, during the second-worst statistical season of his career. They also traded for Brandon Lloyd and extended him on a six-year, $30 million deal. The receiver lasted two seasons, earning almost $400,000 per reception.

We also saw major disputes with top players when it came to contracts. A two-year dispute with Lavar Arrington ultimately led to him requesting a release, and the constant back-and-forth media leaks when trying to extend Kirk Cousins were among the main dark stains on the organization.

Fans didn't see any of that drama unfold. Dan Quinn mentioned that sometimes business and football conflict, but there was no real bad blood. Behind the scenes, everyone knew a deal would get done; it was just about when.

Late last week, Daniels even said, "I just know that it is all gonna work out, that both sides will come to an agreement and Terry's gonna be back out here." And now, the Commanders can look forward to having the signal-caller's favorite target back on the field and continue building on their rapport from last year.

McLaurin is locked and loaded. That should put the rest of the league on notice.

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