Commanders Don’t Want To Pay Terry McLaurin Based On Past Performance
AUGUST 14: Detailing the initial stages of negotiations in this case, Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports noted on the Inside Coverage podcast (video link) Peters and the Commanders were “stunned” by the asking price first submitted by McLaurin’s camp. Talks nearly broke down right away as a result, and as this point it remains to be seen if a compromise can be reached. Concessions on both sides may be needed, with Robinson echoing the notion that a pact averaging $28MM per year (or thereabouts) could be enough for a deal to be struck.
AUGUST 13: It’s been two weeks since Terry McLaurin publicly revealed his trade request, and a resolution doesn’t appear to be in sight. Thanks to ESPN’s John Keim, we’re starting to get more insight into how the Commanders are approaching negotiations…and how they run counter to their star wide receiver’s financial desires.
[RELATED: Commanders’ Terry McLaurin Requests Trade]
As we’ve assumed all along, the Commanders are wary of giving McLaurin a lucrative contract that would extend well into the player’s 30s. As Keim notes, the Commanders “rely heavily on analytics,” and those numbers aren’t particularly kind to receivers on the wrong side of 30. They may be onto something. Per ESPN Research, over the past five years, only three receivers 31 years or older have played at least 10 games and averaged 70-plus receiving yards per game (that number jumps to six players if you adjust for 60-plus receiving yards).
Further, the team can simply point to the NFL landscape, as other teams are also clearly wary of paying aging wideouts. Among the 24 active wide receivers who are attached to the most guaranteed money, only Tyreek Hill was older than 30 when the deal was signed. McLaurin has continually pointed to his lack of mileage despite his age; he barely played during his first two years at Ohio State, meaning he may not have the same wear and tear as similar players his age.
McLaurin is also naturally pointing to the stat sheet, as the receiver has continually produced despite uncertain QB play, uncertain ownership, and a handful of different coaching staffs. Per Keim, the Commanders don’t want to pay McLaurin based on his past performance, with the front office preferring to shape any future contracts based on his projections for age-31-plus seasons. The organization also doesn’t want to set a new precedent by paying McLaurin, as it could convince future veterans to push for lucrative deals in their 30s.
While McLaurin has taken the drastic measure of requesting a trade out of Washington, the organization is still convinced they have leverage in this showdown. After all, the player is still under contract for the 2025 campaign, meaning McLaurin will have to forfeit game checks if he sits out games. The team could even choose to slap him with the franchise tag next offseason (which could come in north of $30MM), meaning they’re in full control of the player’s fate moving forward.
The team is also skeptical that another suitor is going to willingly pay McLaurin the type of money he’s seeking. Per Keim, there’s doubts around the league about whether another team would be willing to meet the receiver’s demands. Even if a clear suitor does emerge, Keim makes it clear that Washington’s front office won’t give the star away without receiving a haul.
We heard recently that McLaurin wasn’t necessarily seeking a deal that matched fellow 2019 draftee D.K. Metcalf‘s deal with the Steelers. However, Keim says Metcalf’s contract has generally served as a guide for McLaurin, although it’s uncertain whether the Commanders wideout is looking to match the AAV ($33MM) or total guarantees ($60MM).
Ultimately, one source believes the Commanders may agree to pay McLaurin a contract that will pay $28MM per year. Of course, it’s uncertain if the player would even accept that offer. If that hypothetical maximum offer doesn’t end in a signing, a divorce may be the logical next step.
Workout Notes: Scott, Ross, Worley
The Ravens auditioned a notable backfield veteran earlier this week. NFL inside Jordan Schultz reported the other day that Boston Scott had a recent workout with Baltimore. The 30-year-old is healthy and in “terrific” shape as he continues to seek the “right” opportunity.
Scott’s long stint with the Eagles ended with the 2023 campaign, and his 24 touches represented a five-year low. Before that, Scott had a regular role on Philly’s depth chart, including 2020 and 2021 campaigns where he combined for 747 yards and eight touchdowns. He scored 16 touchdowns during his time with the Eagles, nine of which came against the Giants. He added another three scores in eight playoff games.
He joined the Rams last offseason but was among the team’s final cuts. He quickly caught on with the Steelers practice squad but only lasted a few weeks before earning his walking papers. He’s remain unsigned since that time.
The Ravens have plenty of depth behind Derrick Henry. Justice Hill will continue as the RB2 in 2025, and the team is still rostering the likes of Keaton Mitchell and former fifth-round pick Rasheen Ali. The organization added D’Ernest Johnson and Myles Gaskin to the RBs room this offseason, so perhaps Scott would be an option to temporarily replace one of those veterans.
More workout notes from around the NFL…
- Before adding Roderick Daniels the other day, the Saints had a handful of wideouts in for workouts. This grouping included Justyn Ross, per veteran NFL reporter Howard Balzer. The receiver got into 13 games for the Chiefs between 2023 and 2024, with all six of his receptions coming during his rookie campaign. It’s uncertain if Daniels’ signing would preclude a Ross addition, although the team did notably place WR Bub Means on IR today.
- The Commanders had a handful of defensive backs in for workouts today, most notably cornerback Daryl Worley, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston. The former third-round pick has appeared in 99 career games, compiling 344 tackles and six interceptions. He most recently got into nine games (seven starts) for the Titans in 2024. If the journeyman ends up joining Washington, he’d be adding his 10th career team to his resume. Cornerback Qwuantrezz Knight, safety Trey Rucker, and defensive back Jason Taylor were among the team’s other workouts.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/13/25
Today’s minor moves:
Baltimore Ravens
- Waived: RB Marcus Major
Chicago Bears
- Reverted to IR: S Major Burns
Cleveland Browns
- Waived from IR: WR Luke Floriea
Green Bay Packers
- Claimed off waivers (from Raiders): WR Kawaan Baker
- Reverted to IR: CB Isaiah Dunn, RB Jalen White
Houston Texans
- Signed: TE Tre’ McKitty
- Placed on IR: TE Dalton Keene
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: LB Marcus Haynes
- Placed on IR: WR D.J. Montgomery
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: CB Keni-H Lovely
- Released from IR (injury settlement): CB Levi Wallace
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: CB Nehemiah Shelton
- Waived/injured: CB Jordan Oladokun
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: LB Cam Gill, LB Max Tooley
- Reverted to IR: C Zeke Correll
New England Patriots
- Reverted to IR: RB Deneric Prince
New Orleans Saints
- Placed on IR: WR Bub Means, TE Mason Pline
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: WR Malik Turner
- Placed on IR: DE Bradlee Anae, DE Demone Harris, LB William Bradley-King
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Reverted to reserve/PUP: QB Michael Pratt
Tennessee Titans
- Claimed off waivers (from Vikings): LB Brian Asamoah II
- Waived: LB Otis Reese
- Reverted to IR: LB Anfernee Orji
The Titans swapped linebackers today, replacing Otis Reese with Brian Asamoah II. The latter was waived by the Vikings yesterday, but he’ll quickly land on his feet in Tennessee. The former third-round pick spent three years in Minnesota, collecting 30 tackles in 46 games. 802 of his 990 snaps came on special teams. He’ll be taking the spot formerly held by Reese, who started five games for the Titans over the previous two seasons.
Andrew Vorhees Favorite To Be Ravens LG
The Ravens don’t have much lineup uncertainty at the moment, meaning the lone positional battle has been thrust into the limelight. With Patrick Mekari departing this offseason, there remains an opening at left guard, with coach John Harbaugh recently stating that he’d like to settle on a starter as soon as possible.
Harbaugh also provided some insight into which way he’s leaning, as the coach revealed that Andrew Vorhees remains the front-runner for the starting LG job over Ben Cleveland.
“Andrew Vorhees is in the lead. Something would have to change,” Harbaugh said (via Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic). “I will say, with Ben, he’ll tell you, the first, three or four days didn’t look too good. Then, the next three or four days looked really good. … Andrew has looked good all the way through, so he’s in the lead at this point.”
Vorhees was penciled in as the starter to begin the 2024 campaign. However, an ankle injury temporarily knocked him out of the lineup, and by the time he was ready to return, Mekari had already run away with the job. Vorhees, a 2023 seventh-round pick, will now have another clear shot at sticking in the starting lineup, although Cleveland does provide some competition should things go off the rails. Per Zrebiec, Cleveland will likely be slotted in as the team’s top reserve OG to begin the season, with Joseph Noteboom likely the favorite to be the top OT reserve and former UDFA Corey Bullock the favorite to be the backup center.
While there aren’t many starting spots up for grabs in Baltimore, there are plenty of roster battles. One of those competitions is believed to be at outside linebacker, where the Ravens appear to have one too many players. Zrebiec writes that Adisa Isaac is expected to win the final positional spot, meaning David Ojabo is likely going to be the odd man out. A former second-round pick, Ojabo has struggled to carve out a role during his three years in Baltimore, and with only a year remaining on his rookie pact, the organization may finally be willing to move on.
Cameron Heyward Willing To Miss Games Over Contract Dispute?
Cameron Heyward‘s sudden hold-in could lead to regular-season absences. While speaking with reporters today, the Steelers defensive lineman hinted that he’d be willing to sit out regular season games as he pursues a revised deal.
[RELATED: Steelers DT Seeking Steelers Contract Adjustment]
“I think there are definitely options out there that could reflect that,” Heyward said (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor).
“I’m looking to be valued,” Heyward added (via Pryor). “I know what I bring to this team and what I’m capable of on and off the field. It’s hard for me, after the year I’ve had, to justify playing at the number I’m playing at.”
It was only a year ago that the Steelers tacked on a two-year, $29MM extension to the veteran’s expiring contract. Coming off one of the least productive seasons of his career in 2023, Heyward reverted back to his All-Pro play in 2024. The likely future Hall of Famer finished last season with 71 tackles, eight sacks, and 20 QB hits, leading to an All-Pro nod.
Considering his resurgent campaign, Heyward is now dissatisfied with his current pact. While the player’s hold-in seemed to come out of nowhere, Heyward claims he warned the organization that he’d want to return to the negotiating table if he quickly outperformed his extension (via Mark Kaboly). Heyward said the front office “giggled” at this notion, providing motivation for his comeback performance in 2024.
Heyward’s hold-in kicked off last week, although he had primarily done work off to the side during the early phases of training camp. We heard at the time that the two sides had indeed discussed the 36-year-old’s issues with his contract, although it sounds like there hasn’t been any progress. The Steelers are coming off an offseason where they had to navigate T.J. Watt‘s extension, perhaps explaining why the Heyward showdown has only recently become public.
With a $14.5MM average annual value, Heyward’s contract only ranks 22nd among interior defensive linemen. Even bumping those annual earnings to $20MM wouldn’t place Heyward in the top-10 of his position. The Steelers could perhaps explore increasing the player’s 2025 earnings, or the two sides could even pursue a divorce. Heyward was once open to exploring a post-Pittsburgh path last year, but it’s uncertain if his current problems with the organization would lead to this path.
The Steelers already put in some work finding a potential Heyward successor, as the team used a first-round pick on Oregon’s Derrick Harmon. The rookie could easily slide into the starting lineup if the veteran decides to sit out games.
Kyle Shanahan Targeting Week 6 Return For Brandon Aiyuk
Brandon Aiyuk‘s eventual return to the field is starting to come into focus. While the receiver was previously operating without a return timeline as he recovers from a torn ACL and MCL, coach Kyle Shanahan revealed today that Week 6 would be a rough estimate for the receiver’s activation.
“I kind of view all those guys around the same time,” Shanahan said while also referencing injured safety Malik Mustapha and quarterback Kurtis Rourke (via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner). “Whether it’s Mustafa, whether it’s Rourke or whether it’s Brandon. They’re all at different stages, but where they’re at, I always see ’em around Week 6, which means that could be Week 10, it means it could be Week 5, but that’s the area where I start thinking about it, which is a long way away. I know it’s not Week 1 or anything like that, so it’s something I’m not really thinking about too much.”
A Week 6 return would be just short of a year absence for Aiyuk, who suffered his season-ending knee injury in Week 7 of the 2024 campaign. While we’ve seen a number of players return from this injury in less than a calendar year, Wagoner notes that Aiyuk didn’t suffer a “clean” tear. Still, the receiver is expected to make a full recovery.
Aiyuk is currently on the physically unable to perform list and is destined to remain there through the start of the regular season. As Wagoner notes, Aiyuk has been around the squad throughout training camp, with the veteran working with the team’s young wideouts.
Aiyuk’s absence will certainly be felt. Beyond the subtraction of mainstay Deebo Samuel, the 49ers continue to deal with injuries to their WR corps. Jauan Jennings is without a return date as he continues to nurse a calf injury, and Wagoner reported earlier today that fourth-round rookie Jordan Watkins is now sidelined with a high ankle sprain. That injury is expected to sideline the first-year receiver for a month, putting his status for Week 1 in doubt.
As a result, Brock Purdy is eyeing some questionable targets for the start of the regular season. 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall is expected to initially lead the grouping, and the team could also lean on offseason acquisition Demarcus Robinson and 2024 fourth-round pick Jacob Cowing. Otherwise, the rest of the team’s depth consists of the likes of rookie seventh-round pick Junior Bergen, veteran Russell Gage, and former UDFA Terique Owens.
Dolphins Sign RBs Mike Boone, Aaron Shampklin
With Alexander Mattison done for the season, the Dolphins are adding some running back depth. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported earlier today that the team was adding Aaron Shampklin, while ESPN’s Adam Schefter adds that veteran Mike Boone is also joining the team. To make room on the roster, the team has officially placed Mattison on injured reserve and waived Monaray Baldwin (via Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston).
[RELATED: Dolphins RB Alexander Mattison Undergoes Season-Ending Neck Surgery]
Boone brings the most experience among the two additions, as the veteran has appeared in 72 games over the past seven years. Boone often found himself as a third-string RB in a Dalvin Cook-led depth chart in Minnesota, although he did finished the 2019 campaign with a career-high 290 yards from scrimmage. He’s bounced around the NFL a bit since leaving the Vikings, spending time with the Broncos, Texans, and Panthers. Over that four-year span, the veteran has added another 367 yards from scrimmage to his resume.
Boone has limited experience as a return man, tallying five kickoff returns. The 30-year-old has also garnered 738 special teams snaps during his career, so perhaps he could carve out a useful role in Miami.
Shampklin went undrafted out of Harvard in 2021 and has had stints with the Cowboys, Colts, Chargers, and Steelers. He made his NFL debut last season, collecting 17 rushing yards in three games with Pittsburgh. He was a relatively popular name in free agency in recent weeks, as the RB also auditioned for the Bears and Jets.
It’s uncertain if these two additions will represent Miami’s only solutions to replacing Mattison; the team notably worked out Jamaal Williams earlier today. Either way, the Dolphins still have plenty of depth at the position. De’Von Achane will still lead the grouping, with 2024 fourth-round pick Jaylen Wright serving as a primary backup. The team also used a draft pick on sixth-round RB Ollie Gordon II.
NFL Minor Transactions: 8/11/25
Today’s minor moves:
Chicago Bears
- Signed: RB Brittain Brown, CB Kaleb Hayes, S Mark Perry
- Waived/injured: DB Ameer Speed
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: CB Christian Holmes, CB Darius Rush
- Waived: WR Luke Floriea, OT Roy Mbaeteka
Denver Broncos
- Reverted to IR: DL Matt Henningsen
Houston Texans
- Placed on IR: DT Marlon Davidson
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: WR Marquez Callaway
- Waived: WR Kawaan Baker
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed: TE McCallan Castles
- Waived/injured: TE Anthony Torres
Minnesota Vikings
- Claimed off waivers (from Falcons): G Michael Gonzalez
- Placed on IR: OT Matt Nelson
New England Patriots
- Signed: DT Kyle Peko
- Waived: DT Bryce Ganious
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: TE Kevin Foelsch, DB Mikey Victor
- Waived: TE D.J. Thomas-Jones
- Waived/injured: DB Cameron McCutcheon
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: DL Trevis Gipson
- Activated off active/PUP: OL Andre Dillard
- Waived: QB Tanner Mordecai
- Placed on IR: RB Ameer Abdullah
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: LB Alphonzo Tuputala
- Waived: CB Kam Alexander
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: CB JayVian Farr, RB Jase McClellan
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: LB Blake Lynch
A handful of players injured in the first week of the preseason were placed on IR today, effectively ending their seasons early. These players won’t be allowed to play for their current squads in 2025, although they could place elsewhere if they’re released from injured reserve (often via an injury settlement).
Among those who landed on IR includes Texans DT Marlon Davidson, who remained in his team’s preseason opener after suffering a biceps injury. Vikings lineman Matt Nelson also suffered a biceps injury that will land him on IR. The veteran just joined Minnesota last week.
In addition to bringing back old friend Jeff Wilson, the 49ers made a handful of additional moves today. This includes shifting veteran RB Ameer Abdullah to injured reserve. Abdullah suffered a rib injury that will prevent him from taking the field with San Francisco this season. The veteran is coming off one of the most productive seasons of his career in 2024, when he compiled 572 yards from scrimmage in 16 games (three starts) with the Raiders. The 49ers also added defensive lineman Trevis Gipson, who started 19 games for the Bears between 2021 and 2022.
Patriots Notes: Offensive Line, Wilson, Strange
AUGUST 8: New England’s entire starting offense is taking part in tonight’s preseason game, and as Kyed notes, that unit includes Wilson handling left guard duties. It will be interesting to see how he fares in his first NFL game action, while Strange’s workload when the backups enter the contest will also be something to monitor.
AUGUST 6: The Patriots’ offensive line is starting to take shape, and it could end up leading to a relatively surprising cut. Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald recently observed that rookie third-round pick Jared Wilson appears to be penciled in as New England’s starting left guard.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss echoed Kyed’s report, noting that Wilson has impressed teammates and coaches with his ability to slow down some of the team’s top interior defensive linemen. Reiss also notes that Wilson’s athleticism could be particularly useful in Josh McDaniels‘ system, which often sees the offense pull the guard.
If Wilson does end up sticking at LG, that means the Patriots will be relying on a pair of inexperienced linemen to protect Drake Maye‘s blindside. Wilson would be lining up next to fourth-overall pick Will Campbell, a configuration that could make some fans queasy. However, it sounds like the two rookies are embracing the unexpected challenge.
“We just talk about how fun it’s going to be,” Wilson said of playing next to Campbell (via Karen Guregian of MassLive.com). “Like you said, there are two rookies next to each other, left guard and left tackle, on the blindside. We know it’s going to be a challenge every day. Teams are going to bring their best to us. Just got to be ready.”
With Wilson reportedly claiming one of the spots on the offensive line, the team’s starting configuration is coming into focus. In addition to the two rookies, it sounds like veteran Garrett Bradbury will man the center spot with tackle Morgan Moses and guard Michael Onwenu handling the right side. That means former first-round pick Cole Strange will be without a role, and that could ultimately cost the lineman his spot on the team.
Kyed wrote recently that Strange could be among the team’s surprise cuts, especially since the impending fourth-year player is struggling to establish himself at guard and center. Strange was already a reach when the Bill Belichick-led regime selected him with the 29th-overall pick in the 2022 draft, and the Chattanooga product hasn’t done much to reward the iconic coach’s faith.
After starting all 17 games as a rookie, Strange was limited to 10 games as a sophomore thanks to a torn patellar tendon. He started the 2024 campaign on the PUP list and ended up finishing last season with only three appearances. The team’s recent investment in the offensive line — both via the draft and free agency — already indicated that Strange was on the outside looking in. While the 27-year-old entered training camp penciled into the starting lineup, it now sounds like he’s fighting for a roster spot.
Strange’s roster spot might also be in doubt because of the versatility of some of his teammates. As Kyed recently noted, Caedan Wallace has been playing some offensive guard throughout training camp. The 2024 third-round pick spent the majority of his rookie campaign playing offensive tackle, but his ability to play multiple positions could make players like Strange expendable.
Bengals’ Offer To Trey Hendrickson “Closer To The Top Of The Market”
There’s been plenty of analysis on the stalemate between the Bengals and star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. We’ve continually heard that the main holdup between the two sides revolves around guarantees, and that still appears to be the case. However, when it comes to average annual value, it sounds like the Bengals are willing to make Hendrickson one of the highest-paid players at his position.
[RELATED: Trey Hendrickson Not Seeing Bengals Talks Shift]
According to Albert Breer of SI.com, the AAV is “no longer the problem” between the two sides. Breer believes the Bengals are offering a contract that’s “well into the 30s” annually, and the offer is “closer to the top of the market than people want to believe.”
Just this offseason, we’ve seen four pass rushers surpass Nick Bosa‘s $34MM AAV, with T.J. Watt now pacing the position with a $41MM annual mark. While a Micah Parsons deal could slightly change the calculus, it sounds like the Bengals and Hendrickson are generally in agreement on the contract’s basic value.
The Bengals organization has traditionally shied away from offering guarantees beyond the first year of an extension, although they did buck that trend when it came to contracts for Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. While those deals could have set a new precedent for the Bengals defensive leader, it sounds like the front office isn’t budging on their first-year guarantee stance.
There were some recent rumblings that the team was considering including some guaranteed money in the second year of Hendrickson’s contract, but it sounds like that still won’t be enough to satisfy the impending free agent. The Bengals are trying to point to the massive raise Hendrickson would see in 2025, but we learned that a $10MM gap in guaranteed money still exists between the two sides.
There were once reports that the Bengals hadn’t offered a contract that even touched a $35MM AAV, so from a glass-half-full perspective, Breer’s report seems like a positive step forward. However, there have been reports all along that a disagreement over guarantees were at the root of the showdown between the Bengals and Hendrickson, and that apparently hasn’t changed.
Hendrickson engaged in a brief holdout before reporting to training camp, but he refuses to practice with his teammates until he inks a new deal. The player later told reporters that “nothing has changed” when it comes to negotiations, so it sounds like this is a storyline that’s destined to continue throughout the preseason.