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Terry McLaurin is holding out but one Commanders voice keeps him plugged in
Terry McLaurin Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

It's one story after another where Terry McLaurin and the Washington Commanders are concerned these days. Everyone has a hot take or an opinion, and the topic remains whether (or when) some middle ground will be reached over a lucrative new contract extension.

Amid all the doom, frustration, and reported tension, there is a player who is looking to get paid what he's worth. The Commanders have a different price in mind, but there is one major constant keeping the second-team All-Pro engaged and focused during his chosen absence away from the setup.

Dan Quinn and Terry McLaurin remain in close contact amid Commanders' holdout

James Palmer from The Bleacher Report revealed that McLaurin has been in constant contact with head coach Dan Quinn during his holdout. However, the insider also lent his weight to the notion that almost no progress whatsoever had been made during negotiations.

He held out of OTAs. He held out of minicamp. But let's remember this, though: Dan Quinn has stayed in constant contact with Terry McLaurin throughout this offseason. It hasn't been contentious in that sense, to the extent that he's separate from the organization. Is there distance, is there frustration here as well? Certainly. Did they make any headway throughout the entire month of June? My understanding… no, they really didn't, and they were pretty far apart in making any sort of progress.James Palmer

The fact that McLaurin is still connected to the team and not distancing himself should allow him to hit the ground running when something finally gets agreed upon. He's also the sort of professional that Quinn and his coaching staff won't be worrying about regarding preparations before camp.

It's a testament to how player-centric Quinn is as a coach. He knows there is a business side that must be successfully navigated. What is important from his perspective is making sure McLaurin still feels part of everything as an integral member of the team's plans.

That's what makes Quinn so special. Make no mistake, it won't be dismissed by McLaurin, who'll be going all out to repay the coach for his extra attentiveness while the money side of things causes the player to pivot.

Things haven't progressed, and McLaurin's frustrations have been made clear. Fans aren't concerned right now. That will change if no new deal comes to light before training camp.

Until then, McLaurin will wait. And Quinn will be on hand to support him every step of the way as good leaders do.

More Commanders news and analysis


This article first appeared on Riggo's Rag and was syndicated with permission.

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