Commanders need to try to mend relationship with WR Terry McLaurin

Washington has a franchise quarterback for the first time in years in Jayden Daniels, which of course, creates real aspirations of a Super Bowl appearance, something the franchise has not experienced since winning Super Bowl XXVI after the 1991 season.  

Daniels led Washington all the way to the NFC Championship Game as a rookie, throwing for 3,568 yards and throwing 25 touchdowns en route to being named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. 

But while Daniels gained all the fanfare, McLaurin was also a major reason for the Commanders' special season. He served as Daniels' No. 1 weapon, catching 82 passes for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns. 

McLaurin's production can also be traced back long before Daniels' arrival. The two-time Pro Bowl receiver has put together five straight 1,000-yard seasons. 

However, instead of allowing Daniels to further his chemistry with his top target, the Commanders are alienating McLaurin and risking being without him during training camp. 

McLaurin's desire for a new deal is even understandable based on the fact he sits outside of the top 15 highest paid receivers. He's entering the final year of a 3-year, $68.3 million contract extension he signed in 2022. 

Some teams do feel wide receivers are expendable and can be easily replaced in the draft every year, but McLaurin accounted for a significant amount of Washington's offense and is still young enough to have many more years left. If any franchise needs to keep their top receiver happy, it's the Commanders. 

Daniels may be able to overcome the loss of McLaurin, but he shouldn't have to. Washington should be trying to provide him as much talent as possible, not trying to continuously underpay one of their best players. 

If nothing else, it's time for the Commanders to open up the line of communication and fix this mess before it gets to a point of no return.