Adam Peters: Talks Ongoing Between Commanders, Terry McLaurin

Reports of dissatisfaction in the case of Terry McLaurin have been prevalent through much of the Commanders’ offseason. No extension agreement is in place with training camp set to begin, but communication is taking place between team and player.

“I think everybody in this building values Terry very much,” general manager Adam Peters said on Tuesday when speaking to the media (via Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post). “We knew that coming in and we know that even more after spending a year with him… We’ll do whatever we can to get a deal done.”

Peters and McLaurin have long had a mutual desire to work out a new deal. One year remains on the Pro Bowl wideout’s current pact, but a raise is in store and an extension would lower his scheduled cap charge of $25.5MM. McLaurin’s latest comments made it clear he is not happy with the lack of progress in negotiations, leading to the expectation he will not participate in camp until an agreement is struck. Peters noted he expects the 29-year-old to attend camp, but that could simply be the precursor to a hold-in effort.

Of course, things could change in a short period in this situation as deadlines (artificial or otherwise) often lead to contract breakthroughs. After skipping minicamp, though, McLaurin and the Commanders have considerable progress to make in time for Week 1. The difficult nature of contract talks has proven to be a surprise so far. Peters nevertheless made it clear that hammering out a new pact remains a priority, adding (via ESPN’s John Keim) the parties have spoken recently.

Zero traction being gained in the wake of renewed negotiations would obviously add further to this unwanted storyline as the Commanders aim to build off last year’s success. While Deebo Samuel was acquired via trade, McLaurin is of course on track to once again serve as the focal point of the team’s passing attack. With five straight 1,000-yard campaigns to his name, the Ohio State product could be in line to join the list of wideouts averaging $30MM or more per season.

Zagging (in terms of deciding to trade an extension-eligible player instead of committing to a new pact) has taken place in a number of receiver cases recently, including 2025. If Washington was to consider a trade, the Patriots would become a suitor to watch. Still, it would come as a surprise if such a move were to receiving serious consideration, particularly if progress can be made at the negotiating table relatively soon.

Years of production with underwhelming quarterback play has helped McLaurin’s value to the Commanders. He will be expected to remain a foundational member of the team’s offense come Week 1, but at this point it is still unclear if an agreement will have been reached by that point.