NFL insider claims Commanders are lowballing Terry McLaurin as vultures circle

Terry McLaurin deserves his money. That's not up for discussion among the Washington Commanders fan base. But that doesn't mean Adam Peters is going to give it up without some fallback plan if performances start to slip.

This is more complicated than most envisaged before negotiations began. It's not a simple deal to work out, given McLaurin's age and the history of receivers in their 30s regressing later in their careers. Both sides are pretty far apart, which was a topic discussed in greater detail by one respected NFL insider.

Jeremy Fowler from ESPN revealed on Get Up that McLaurin wants somewhere in the region of $32 million per season, which D.K. Metcalf got from the Pittsburgh Steelers. It wouldn't be the same contract, but similar metrics seem feasible.

Commanders and Terry McLaurin are reportedly $7-8 million per year apart says NFL insider

Fowler also thought, citing conversations with people around the league, that the Commanders are about $7-8 million off McLaurin's current demands. That's a whopping gap to make up, which has led to a long holdout and trade request to pile on the pressure.

He has wanted metrics of this D.K. Metcalf contract, which is $32 million [per season]. I'm told the Washington Commanders have only been slightly above where he was before, which is $23 million. Take that gap $7-8 million, that they have to bridge. And Washington, I'm told, has gotten some calls about [Terry] McLaurin. There is interest league-wide. They have no interest in trading him still. This is a classic standoff that you're about to see.Jeremy Fowler

As Fowler mentioned, the Commanders have no interest in trading McLaurin. However, the senior insider heard that there is one particular interested party willing to pay the going rate if Peters becomes more receptive to offers at some stage.

That's not going to happen. Peters is holding firm to get a good agreement for the franchise, but his plans do not involve taking away quarterback Jayden Daniels' most prolific pass-catcher just weeks before the season.

This is absolutely out of the question.

Reporters suggested that McLaurin has some leverage after the wide receiver depth pieces fluffed their lines during joint practice with the New England Patriots. That's to be determined, but Peters is unlikely to factor this into his thought process when push comes to shove.

His stance here centers on the bigger picture beyond 2025. Everyone knows McLaurin will put up exceptional numbers this season. Peters is a little wary of what might happen after that when his projected megabucks extension kicks in. Then, he'll be 31 years old.

Unfortunately, nobody can see into the future. Taking a leap of faith and finding some middle ground is crucial.

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