Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin is absent from the team’s three-day mandatory minicamp. He is holding out seeking a contract extension. It’s one of the biggest storylines heading into the camp. One can argue a bit of distraction. However, for at least one teammate, McLaurin has full support.
Commanders tight end Logan Thomas weighed into McLaurin’s situation.
“The NFL is going to use you. At the same time, you got to get yours. … I understand where he’s coming from. You got one chance [to make big money]… Do your thing, Terry,” Thomas said, per the Washington Post’s Sam Fortier.
NFL players have a small window to maximize their career earnings. The average NFL playing life is around four seasons. McLaurin is entering his fourth year in the league, which coincidentally is the final year of his rookie deal.
It’s safe to say McLaurin has outplayed his initial contract. He signed a four-year deal for a total of just under $3.85 million. This upcoming season he’ll make a base salary of over $1 million, as he is scheduled to make $2.79 million.
However, he is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. He’s led the Commanders in receiving in every season with the team, even as a rookie. His impressive numbers are in spite of the team using eight different quarterbacks during his time so far in Washington.
Add in the fact McLaurin is a tad older after spending five years in college at Ohio State. McLaurin will turn 27 years old in Week 2 of the NFL season. Thus, he sees it fitting to cash in now with his value at its highest.
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