Insider: McLaurin-Commanders Deal Coming “Sooner Than Later,” But Not for $30M+

There have been so many twists and turns between the Washington Commanders and Terry McLaurin that it's hard to keep up with. Just this week, McLaurin reported to training camp, but was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list with an ankle injury. Essentially, McLaurin's status was changed from holdout to hold-in.

On Monday, ESPN's Adam Schefter said he believed McLaurin didn't just want to match Pittsburgh wide receiver DK Metcalf's average annual value on his new contract ($33 million), but wanted "considerably more."

Schefter didn't phrase it as an official report, but he wouldn't have put that out there if he hadn't heard those specific numbers. It would explain why all reports continue to indicate both sides remain far apart.

However, there is one NFL insider who believes a deal will get done "sooner rather than later."

Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda recently wrote that he spoke with sources who told him a deal would get done, sooner rather than later, and that it would not be a "huge" contract. Pauline said he'd expect to see McLaurin receive a two or three-year extension with a "bump in pay this season" to give him more security.

Pauline also said that the deal signed this week by Denver's Courtland Sutton could be used as the framework for a McLaurin deal. In this scenario, McLaurin would receive "slightly" more than Sutton annually, but he doubted the Commanders were willing to go $30 million per year or more.

For this to get to the finish line, at least one side must give in. It's not going to be Washington. McLaurin is signed for this upcoming season, so it has the leverage. Can the Commanders give McLaurin the raise he deserves and convince him to lower his asking price? Both sides want this relationship to continue. So do the fans. Let's see if Sutton's deal helps bring the sides closer.