The Washington Commanders‘ drama with star wideout Terry McLaurin has been a focal point of NFL training camp this season. McLaurin has asked for a trade away from the organization, but is really just looking for a new contract, and is likely attempting to put pressure on the Commanders to reach the number he wants.
McLaurin made it clear about his trade demands at the end of July, and it was clear that both his agent and the Commanders’ front office were not in sync on what a new deal could look like. New reports are now coming out that the Commanders “don’t intend” to trade McLaurin.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano With the Report
ESPN’s Dan Graziano visited the Washington Commanders’ camp just a few days ago and had this to say about the McLaurin drama:
“The Terry McLaurin contract dispute is hanging over an otherwise very positive Commanders camp. Washington’s No. 1 wide receiver is seeking a contract extension and has informed the team he would like to be traded to a team more willing to give him what he wants. The Commanders do not intend to trade him, according to the people I’ve spoken to there, and they say they continue to work toward a contract extension.”
“McLaurin is at camp, but he is not practicing. He comes out to the practice fields when practice ends. The day I was there, he signed autographs for fans as they chanted “Terry! Terry!” His agent has been attending practice and can be seen afterward chatting with McLaurin on the side fields.”
Graziano then reported Monday that they continue working towards a contract, with McLaurin wanting north of $30 million per year. McLaurin is in the last year of his current deal and is set to make just under $20 million.
These Holdout Situations Are Not Uncommon
However, this situation does play out with the Washington Commanders’ two-time Pro Bowler; it is not an uncommon scenario for NFL players to put pressure on their organizations with tactics like asking for a trade. The 29-year-old McLaurin, who is set to turn 30 next month, has seen other wideouts get large extensions and believes he should be next in line. He has hauled in over 1,000 receiving yards in each of the past seasons, and now has a dynamic quarterback in Jayden Daniels to get him the ball. Washington has a deep receiver room with McLaurin in it, but without him, they lack a true downfield threat.
Other players who have requested a trade recently and ended up getting massive contracts are Myles Garrett and Brandon Aiyuk last season. Dallas Cowboys’ star Micah Parsons has followed the same suit as McLaurin this season, asking for a trade just a few days ago. Aiyuk ended up receiving a four-year, $120 million deal from the San Francisco 49ers. The only thing that should worry Commanders fans is their historically unwillingness to spend money.
However, based on how well the Commanders did last season and Daniels’ burst onto the scene, you would assume the team and McLaurin will reach an agreement sooner rather than later.
