As the Washington Commanders get ready for their preseason contests, there remains one lingering cloud hanging over the organization.
And it might be a long way from going away right now.
Terry McLaurin's trade request after failing to secure a new deal sent shockwaves through the franchise. The Commanders are playing hardball with the wide receiver as general manager Adam Peters looks at the bigger picture. Frustrations built throughout the summer, and this predicament shows no signs of a successful resolution as yet.
Commanders' relationship with Terry McLaurin is more fractured than people think
One NFL analyst muddied the waters further during an appearance on the Rio Robinson Podcast. Jeremy Fowler from ESPN, citing sources, believes that this relationship between the player and organization has been fractured more than people think. He also highlighted the possibility of McLaurin potentially giving up game checks if a new contract is agreed upon before Week 1.
"In this case, I do think the relationship has been fractured some. And I was told all along that Terry [McLaurin] was willing to do whatever it takes to make this right in his mind. Calling for a trade is the nuclear option, and he took it. I'm being told that he'll continue to do that until all pressure is applied. It does appear he's done all he can. The next step would be to totally withhold services on game checks, and that's a big step. Maybe Washington would be home on some sort of reserve list, let him collect his paycheck while he sits, but that's a whole different conversation."
Jeremy Fowler
This is a far cry from the notion that both sides were amicably working towards an agreement. But looking at the way McLaurin feels undervalued and disrespected by the Commanders after loyally giving so much to the cause, this report carries some weight.
It's already a massive distraction the Commanders could do without as they look to build on a profitable first season under head coach Dan Quinn. But make no mistake, Fowler isn't the only one leaning this way.
Others are too, which only piles more pressure on Peters to get something worked out with the second-team All-Pro before the situation goes past the point of no return.
That hasn't quite arrived just yet, but it might not be long. And there's just no telling what it could do to the Commanders' aspirations if McLaurin sits out regular-season games or is perhaps even off the team entirely.
It remains the worst-case scenario no fan is contemplating. But the longer this saga goes on, the more likely it becomes.
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