Fresh Terry McLaurin contract buzz abruptly silenced by Commanders insider

There were jubilant scenes at Washington Commanders training camp when wide receiver Terry McLaurin finally reported for duty. Most fans thought this could be a sign that progress was being made on a lucrative new contract extension, but one team insider poured cold water on this notion in no uncertain terms.

McLaurin is back, but he's not practicing. The Commanders placed him on the physically unable to perform list with an ankle issue he was reportedly dealing with late last season. What ending his holdout does is ensure he won't be getting fined $50,000 per day for his absence.

The wideout and Washington remain at loggerheads regarding a new deal. McLaurin is disheartened and feels disrespected after everything he's given to the franchise. Adam Peters is dug in with a price in mind that he's reluctant to go above.

Commanders insider doesn't believe Terry McLaurin is any closer to new deal

Everyone is still hoping for some middle ground to be reached, which remains the most likely outcome until further notice. But based on what John Keim of ESPN is hearing, that might be some way off just yet.

This is not a sign of progress for a contract extension. It is not that at all. I've been told by multiple people that there doesn't seem to be a lot of movement. Both sides are pretty firm in how they view the situation. It's a good thing that he's here, but it is not a sign like, 'Oh my God, something is imminent.' That is not the feeling I get from, really, anyone involved. Make no mistake, this is a hold-in. But he is here, so that's a good sign.John Keim via YouTube

The former third-round pick out of Ohio State wants to be paid among the league's most prolific wide receivers, of which he is one. Peters knows that McLaurin will be 30 years old in September, and this will be his third NFL contract. That's why the two sides remain so far apart, and it's already become a distraction the Commanders could have done without.

McLaurin is back for the fans, his teammates, and his money. The business side of things has firmly taken over for now, and the wideout is unlikely to be on the field until he signs on the dotted line. When that time comes, the second-team All-Pro will be ready to hit the ground running.

This relationship is a long way from souring to the point of McLaurin requesting a trade. The common goal to extend the player remains, but Peters isn't going to accept anything less than something that works for the Commanders' long-term planning.

It's still a precarious situation and a waiting game for all involved. And it'll be fascinating to see what comes next now McLaurin has returned to the facility.

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