Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin may be one of the top offensive players in the league today, but he gave fans of the Burgundy and Gold quite a scare this week.
As Washington began voluntary OTAs this week, the Pro Bowl receiver did not attend those workouts in preparation to receive a long-term deal with the franchise.
McLaurin is entering the final year of his current contract with Washington, and is looking to be paid among the best players at his position. The big reason why it came as a surprise, though, was because it seemed that McLaurin was in workouts before that point.
"All-Pro WR Terry McLaurin was not at practice today as offseason workouts continue," FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz Friday. "He had been a full participant previously and is entering the final year of his contract."
While McLaurin's absence may be alarming to some members of the Commanders fanbase, there is reason to think that quiet "hold out" period won't be extending to the more important parts of the offseason.
For one thing, McLaurin has never really been a distraction for Washington. He has been able to produce at a high level despite the years of instability at the quarterback position. Once the Commanders brought in a good quarterback, McLaurin put forth his best year.
Washington has plenty of money to pay some of their better players as well.
It wouldn't make any sense for the Commanders to allow McLaurin's frustrations to grow. Not while they are competing for a Super Bowl title this season.
That's why any particular absence from voluntary workouts shouldn't be too worrisome for fans at this stage. Washington needs McLaurin on the field, so there's reason to assume they'll come to terms on a new agreement.