Insider stands firm on Terry McLaurin as Commanders contract drama intensifies

The Washington Commanders and wide receiver Terry McLaurin remain at loggerheads regarding a new deal. One NFL analyst doubled down on his thoughts, revealing a potential price tag that could get something rubber-stamped quickly.

McLaurin held out of Washington's voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamp as he awaited a lucrative extension. His frustrations about the lack of progress being made are growing based on reports. Nobody among the fan base is pressing the panic button yet, but it's a situation that needs a successful resolution before training camp.

$30 million per season is the starting point for Terry McLaurin's extension with Commanders

Albert Breer from Sports Illustrated once again proclaimed that things are not in a good place between McLaurin and the Commanders during an appearance on 106.7 The Fan. The senior insider also stated that $30 million per season should be enough to get something worked out.

If you're Terry McLaurin, you look at it and you're saying don't even come to me with anything that doesn't start with a three [30] per year. I think it's fair for him to ask for something in that range just based on where the market has gone. I think they will eventually get something done.Albert Breer via CBS Sports

Looking at the ever-increasing wide receiver market and McLaurin's overall influence across the franchise, it's a feasible demand. And if general manager Adam Peters had any sense, he'd pay it.

Of course, there's the business aspect of this equation to consider. McLaurin will be 30 years old next season. Giving him a three-year deal that works out at $30 million annually comes with risk. But make no mistake, the positives far outweigh the negatives.

McLaurin's earned a new contract. His consistency, loyalty, and leadership continue to have a profound effect on the Commanders. The former third-round pick out of Ohio State shows no signs of slowing down just yet. Rewarding him with an extension ahead of time is the least he deserves. But for Peters, this is all about finding some common ground that also protects the organization.

Talk of the Commanders trading McLaurin is foolish. That's not going to enter their thought process. Peters wants to extend him, and the wideout loves the club. Big deals like this don't get agreed upon overnight, but the front-office leader cannot leave things too late.

Souring this relationship is not an option. The Commanders need to extend McLaurin sooner rather than later. If that means paying $30 million per year or perhaps even more, so be it.

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