Terry McLaurin’s trade request hits Commanders fans where it hurts most

After months of tension slowly building, the Terry McLaurin contract saga has reached a tipping point. The two-time Pro Bowler has officially requested a trade from the Washington Commanders.

This was always the worst-case scenario. It's something that Washington never thought would come to be a reality, even as the two sides made little if any progress towards working out a new deal throughout the summer.

Yet here we are.

Some Commanders fans may still staunchly be on McLaurin's side. Others may at this point be feeling betrayed by the second-team All-Pro. Both positions are justifiable, and no matter whose side you're on, one thing can be agreed.

Commanders need to rebuild their fractured relationship with Terry McLaurin

It's just sad that it has come to this.

It's sad because the Commanders had nothing but good vibes earlier in the offseason. It's sad because for the first time in the former Ohio State standout's career, he was finally in a situation that could maximize his talents. Mostly, it's sad because it's McLaurin.

For six years, he was Washington's model of professionalism. No drama. No complaining. Just consistent high-quality football, with his loyalty and leadership making him a beloved fan favorite.

It's still highly likely that McLaurin won't be traded, just as receivers such as Tee Higgins and Brandon Aiyuk weren't traded following their requests in recent years. It's simply a negotiating tactic, and the Commanders, who remain adamant that they have no interest in trading him, hold all of the leverage.

But his situation has officially reached the point at which it's going to take time to repair the rift that has opened in his relationship with the franchise.

It will be remembered that, while Washington was looking to capitalize on its best season in more than 30 years, this became the story of training camp and potentially beyond. It will be remembered that one of the Commanders' most crucial pieces decided to put the money before the team. Conversely, the front office decided to get stingy with a player who has shown he deserves every bit of what he's asking for.

Again, both sides share responsibility for allowing this distraction to drag out. But it was the one thing that the Commanders could not afford to have happen.

The Commanders were riding the crest of a wave. They were going to enter the season as a legitimate Super Bowl threat, with McLaurin having a chance to cement a Larry Fitzgerald-like legacy in D.C. with his unwavering loyalty, humility, and on-field reliability.

They might still compete for a Super Bowl. McLaurin might still be part of it. But this drama has brought the honeymoon period from last winter to a grinding halt.

And it's come courtesy of the last player who anybody expected.

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