The contract standoff between Terry McLaurin and the Washington Commanders has continued throughout the August training camps, and it might start hurting both the wideout and the Commanders, according to an NFL analyst.
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Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) and linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) celebrate after winning a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
As McLaurin is turning 30 at the start of the season, he wants a deal that would provide financial security for the final years of his prime, especially after a year in which the Commanders made a deep playoff run. However, the Commanders don’t feel comfortable in splurging on cash to a veteran player.
The lack of a contractual agreement between McLaurin and the Commanders are starting to make fans worry about the future of the team, as well as those who are covering the team itself.
David Aldridge, who reports on the Commanders for The Athletic, urged the franchise to end the debate and re-sign McLaurin, regardless of how he’ll turn out in the coming season.
“Every lost day at practice matters, to be sure […] 14 days between the Patriots and Ravens games are the last chance for Terry to get live reps against opposing defenses and play with the Commanders offense in multiple practices. If he’s still out after that, there will be next to no time for a safe ramp-up and practice time before the regular-season opener against the Giants on Sept. 7.”
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Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) reacts after a play with wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (14) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Silence from the Commanders’ squad about Terry McLaurin’s contract situation showing trust in the process
With the ongoing stalemate on contract negotiations between Terry McLaurin and the Washington Comanders, his teammates are refusing to discuss the matters publicly, showing the utmost respect to the process, and towards McLaurin himself..
Recently, Zach Ertz was on Kay Adams’ show and said, “As a player who has gone through public contract situations, I appreciated that my teammates weren’t out there giving their opinions and everything like that. So I’m not going to come out here and say one thing.”
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Zyon McCollum
Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Zyon McCollum (27) breaks up a pass intended for Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) during the second quarter of an NFC wild card playoff at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Bobby Wagner echoed the same sentiments from Ertz when speaking to reporters during camp.
“It’s a business. Some of the business is not your business. You focus on yourself. He’s still a part of the team and a huge presence in the locker room. When it gets done, you celebrate, and we move on,” said Ertz.
One thing’s for sure, the Washington Commanders will welcome McLaurin back, with arms wide open.
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