NFL insider drops bombshell on why Terry McLaurin feels betrayed by Commanders

Terry McLaurin wasn't present for the medical assessments before training camp. That means there is an almost guaranteed chance that the Washington Commanders' wide receiver will skip participation at practice until his new contract is resolved.

McLaurin feels disrespected and undervalued by the Commanders. He made that abundantly clear during his media availability last week, but general manager Adam Peters stated that both sides remain focused on the common goal.

Just when that'll be reached remains to be seen. The Commanders seem pretty dug in regarding their stance, as does McLaurin. This relationship hasn't soured as yet, but it's simmering to the boil.

NFL insider believes Commanders are trying to lowball Terry McLaurin with less than market value

Jeremy Fowler from ESPN painted a clearer picture of why McLaurin is so unhappy during a conversation with aspiring podcaster Matthew Heiserman from the Highlight Haven. The senior insider revealed that the Commanders aren't enamored by the current surge in wideout contracts around the league. They are reportedly offering the two-time Pro Bowler a deal just above his current one, whereas he wants somewhere north of $30 million per season.

Washington hasn't shown the need to rush, in part because they don't love the wide receiver market and how high it's gone. I think that has affected the team a little bit. That's my sense, at least right now. They don't want to acknowledge that or pay that. That could change, based on their desire to keep him in the fold and get this all wrapped up. I just haven't sensed a whole lot of urgency that the player is receiving from the team. That's pretty clear at this point. That's one thing that does have to change.Jeremy Fowler via Highlight Haven

That's the big stumbling block, and it could be a while before some middle ground is found unless one side backs down.

This notion was echoed by Ian Rapoport from the NFL Network. He also claimed McLaurin was looking for $30 million or more. The Commanders have been extremely reluctant to meet this valuation for a player who'll be 30 years old in September. And the former third-round pick out of Ohio State is seemingly willing to accept $50,000 per day in fines to get what he wants.

It's mildly concerning, although the fact that negotiations have seemingly resumed is the one solace. The Commanders cannot afford to have McLaurin on the sidelines for too long. They need his chemistry with quarterback Jayden Daniels to enhance. They also need him to resume his status as an inspirational leader others look to for counsel. Nothing else will do.

However, unless the money comes up, this has the potential to drag on even further.

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