The Commanders have activated wide receiver Terry McLaurin off the active/physically unable to perform list, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, but the move is not an indicator of progress in extension negotiations.
Head coach Dan Quinn said (via NBC4 Sports) that McLaurin’s activation is “definitely separate” from his contract talks. “This is about his getting ready to play,” continued Quinn.
However, McLaurin’s activation did come a day after offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury indicated that he wanted his star wide receiver to get back on the practice field as soon as possible.
“Time on task together on the grass is really the only way you can continue to build,” said Kingsbury (via 106.7 The Fan’s Grant Paulsen).
McLaurin did not practice on Saturday, per The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala, though that’s not necessarily an indicator of a hold-in. Quinn and Kingsbury both indicated that McLaurin had been spending time with trainers and other medical staff, so he may be going through workouts out of view of the media.
Still, the 29-year-old’s willingness to practice will be a situation worth monitoring over the next week. There is still a “sizable gap” between McLaurin and the Commanders, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, and the two-time Pro Bowler is “dug in” and “remains frustrated.” Despite his trade request and some interest from other teams, the Commanders still believe that they can get a deal done before the season.
It’s head scratching to me why this is still going on. I don’t care how good their QB is- they need this guy. Unless he wants Chase level money, pay the man. Right now it’s critical to their QB’s future.
Well… It’s going on because of the difference of opinion on how much. I think that it’s obvious that they want him on the team, which is why they didn’t honor his trade request, they just don’t agree on the money yet. Guaranteed contracts solves all of this. The NFL wants it this way. It is frustrating for fans, but teams are going to cut players before the end of their contract and players are going to ask for money before the end of their contract until contract means contract again.
Especially with with the QB still being on a rookie contract. Feels like they’re fumbling this one.
No team management is not….they’re making a business decision on a guy who more than likely, will not put up his average numbers towards the end of his “guaranteed” contract…..remember, he’s been paid very nicely during his run of good seasons….asking for the world when its evident that given his age and durability, its likely his production falls off doesn’t warrant paying for what he’s already done…..
Why make your best players mad when the cap keeps going up so fast?
Because, regardless you can’t waste money on players who may not be living up to their contracts given future production…..
Ah, so…miss out on their prime because the future is uncertain. Got it.
Gonna disagree.
Counting postseason, he scored 16 TDs last year. As long as he and Daniels dont get hurt, its not wasting money. They will dig in and he will play anyway. This team can always add pieces but its better to at least build on last season. The offense didnt lose the championship game.