NFL insider exposes ugly truth as Commanders and Terry McLaurin remain miles apart

Terry McLaurin is still awaiting his new deal from the Washington Commanders. A recent insider report suggests that could still be a long way off just yet.

McLaurin skipped voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamp. The wide receiver is coming off the best year of his professional career and wants to be paid the going rate. There is no panic among the fan base right now, but a successful resolution before training camp would be the best-case scenario for all parties.

With just a few weeks remaining until the team congregates for their most important stage of preparations, time is quickly becoming of the essence. Adam Schefter from ESPN revealed just how far apart the two sides could be on an agreement during his latest appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.

Commanders and Terry McLaurin remain far apart on new contract

Schefter thought McLaurin could be looking for a deal north of $30 million per season. The Commanders might be looking to pay a lot less, which means progress has been minimal at best during negotiations.

There’s no update, which is the update, and that’s the problem… The problem is with this particular situation, I think Terry McLaurin is going to argue that we’ve seen other wide receivers, who his numbers are comparable to, like Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, and DK Metcalf, get paid over $30 million a year this offseason. And I think the Commanders then can say, ‘Yes, but Mike Evans, who also has had comparable numbers, is at $24 million.’ So there really is quite a difference, and a gap, between what both sides would want.Adam Schefter via Heavy

McLaurin's frustrations are reportedly growing. He doesn't like not being a part of the squad. At the same time, taking care of his interests is something he's earned.

Trading McLaurin is simply not an option. The Commanders will likely ramp up talks a couple of weeks before training camp, which can hopefully bring an end to this long-running saga. But if no new deal arrives by that point, this situation is going to become a distraction they don't need.

Adam Peters has the complete faith of fans. He's barely put a wrong wrong since becoming Washington's general manager. He also knows how integral McLaurin is to the team's short and long-term plans for contention. That still makes a new deal inevitable despite the current uncertainty.

The Commanders can't let this drag on into camp. Until then, they are holding firm in the hope McLaurin's supposed demands come down.

Whether they do or not is another matter. Hopefully, some middle ground can be reached.

More Commanders news and analysis