Commanders hold firm as NFL insider stirs Terry McLaurin contract drama

Everyone has an opinion about Terry McLaurin's contract stalemate with the Washington Commanders. Both sides are dug in, waiting for the other to blink. It's not ideal, but fans remain relatively optimistic that some middle ground can be reached.

That was a sentiment echoed by one NFL insider. However, it might not work out the way McLaurin wants if his conversations are any indication.

McLaurin returned to the facility this week after initially skipping the early part of training camp. The prolific wide receiver isn't practicing, and the Commanders placed him on the physically unable to perform list with a supposed ankle complication.

Fans were skeptical, and rightfully so. But at least McLaurin is around his teammates, even if he isn't making his usual contribution on the practice field.

Terry McLaurin might not get what he's looking for from the Commanders

Any hope that a deal was close upon McLaurin's return was quickly dashed by national and local reporters. They remain adamant that little (if any) progress has been made. But according to Tony Pauline from Sportskeeda, citing sources around the league, an agreement should be reached sooner rather than later.

That's a hopeful assessment. Even so, Pauline didn't think McLaurin would get anything close to the $30 million per season or more he's seeking when it's all said and done.

People I’ve spoken with tell me that they expect a deal will get done sooner rather than later, though it’s not going to be a huge contract. I’m told to expect a two-to-three-year extension for [Terry] McLaurin with a bump in pay this season to give him a bit more security. Sources tell me they believe the Commanders will offer a deal with an annual payout slightly higher than the one received by [Courtland] Sutton. The holdup would be McLaurin demanding more than $30 million annually. People tell me they don’t feel the franchise would be willing to go that high for McLaurin.Tony Pauline

McLaurin knows his worth. He knows how important his contribution will be to the Commanders' chances of winning another Super Bowl in the coming years. That won't be lost on Adam Peters, but the general manager wants a deal that covers all bases in case the wideout ends up regressing after 30 years old.

That seems unlikely. McLaurin has been a model of consistency since he entered the league, putting up 1,000-yard receiving seasons annually despite a constant stream of woeful quarterbacks to depend upon. At the same time, nothing in the NFL is guaranteed.

Peters is working hard to get the matter resolved. McLaurin is probably eager to put the business aspect firmly behind him and focus on the upcoming campaign. But until the reported price comes down, everyone associated with the Commanders might be waiting a while for positive developments.

The clock is ticking, and nobody knows when the common goal will be reached.

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