Yardbarker
x
Terry McLaurin’s trade request somehow ends with the Cowboys getting clowned
Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin Michael Owens/GettyImages

There's no way of sugarcoating the Washington Commanders' contract standoff with Terry McLaurin. It is, in a word, unfortunate.

Coming off of their best season in more than 30 years, the fan-favorite wide receiver is unhappy with contract negotiations and has now officially requested a trade. It's been a stunning, disheartening development that has derailed a significant chunk of the positive energy in D.C. this offseason.

If it's any solace, there is one thing Washington can do — always. That, of course, is laughing at the Dallas Cowboys for managing to screw things up even worse with one of their superstars.

Micah Parsons' drama makes Commanders' Terry McLaurin saga look like standard business

Leave it to Jerry Jones to come through in the clutch by alienating one of his best players right as Washington's dysfunction had taken center stage. That's what has happened with Micah Parsons, who officially let it be known that he no longer wants to be in Dallas.

This does not read as a negotiating tactic, the way McLaurin's situation can still be interpreted as. It doesn't read as if there's any chance Parsons' relationship with the Cowboys can still be repaired. It reads as "This is personal, and I'm out."

There's also much less of a leg to stand on here from Dallas' standpoint. With McLaurin, at least the Commanders' front office can contend that he's a month away from being on the wrong side of 30 years old and is asking for more money than he may be worth a few years from now. Parsons, on the other hand, is only seeking his second NFL contract. In theory, it should take him through the peak of his career.

The former Penn State standout, who is already a two-time All-Pro in only four seasons, should be getting the type of deal that's richer than any player at his position before him. Most teams in the NFL would have no problems ponying up the cash, but not the Cowboys.

Jones has made a history of stringing players along when it comes to contract talks. CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott were the most recent examples last summer. That may work with some players, but Parsons is having none of it.

The funniest outcome that could come from this, of course, is that Parsons ends up in Washington. It's doubtful that either team would trade their disgruntled star within the division, but if it reaches the point of no return with McLaurin, Adam Peters has a solid head start on a package for him.

It's also worth noting that the 2021 first-round pick still maintains a close relationship with Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, his former defensive coordinator.

Regardless, this was the best news any Commanders fan could have hoped for. Not only does the rest of the NFL move on from talking about McLaurin, but it comes at the expense of Washington's biggest rival.

More Commanders news and analysis


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

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!