Adam Peters has done an exceptional job since becoming the Washington Commanders' general manager. He was the right man to lead this exciting project back to prosperity, but the front-office leader is coming under fire for the first time thanks to his handling of Terry McLaurin's contract situation.
McLaurin's public outburst regarding his unhappiness in front of the media this week didn't sit well with the fan base. The fact that such an important player feels undervalued and disrespected reeks of the old regime's ways. It hasn't gone down well with some teammates, either.
Peters is not running a charity. He's running the football operation with professionalism and is always looking at the bigger picture. McLaurin is an indispensable member of the squad, a fan favorite, and an established figure on and off the field. Even so, the Commanders are aware that the wideout will be 30 years old in September and want an agreement that reflects this.
Commanders are taking a big risk with Terry McLaurin's contract management
The situation has taken its toll on McLaurin. He was resolute yet despondent. Things haven't gone as he'd hoped, and the former third-round selection simply doesn't know where things go from here.
"Just to see how things have played out has been disappointing. Obviously I understand everything is a business, but at the same time I want to put myself in a position where I'm valued and I feel appreciated and things like that. Unfortunately that hasn't transpired the way I want it to, so I'm just trying to take things day by day."
Terry McLaurin via CBS Sports
McLaurin also revealed that he hadn't spoken to anyone for over a month regarding a new deal. And unless something gets rubber-stamped soon, there's a good chance he'll be holding out of training camp or forced into something even more drastic.
Peters has done almost everything right over the last 18 months. But if he continues to ignore McLaurin and stalls on this extension, things will turn sour quickly.
The respected executive might even have a mutiny on his hands. That's how much McLaurin is revered by everyone associated with the franchise.
It didn't feel good hearing McLaurin so dejected about how things are transpiring. However, there is still time to get this situation successfully resolved. Peters has a few days left until the Commanders report for camp. Talks should ramp up before then, and they have to go well.
The Commanders have a chance to achieve something special in 2025. If this saga threatens all the good work Washington's done under the current regime so far, questions will surface for the first time under Peters' tenure.
Enough is enough. Just get it done.
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