Terry McLaurin’s Contract Standoff: Will This Rising Star Finally Break the Silence?

Via BleacherReport.com, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported during a Sunday SportsCenter that McLaurin is “not happy with where things are with an extension.” That’s sort of obvious, given that he boycotted the entire offseason program — voluntary and mandatory. And in a deadline-driven sport, there’s no need for the Commanders to get to their best number until training camp approaches.

This summer’s heating up not just on the field but off it too, with pass rushers grumbling all over the league—and amid this chaos, Terry McLaurin stands firm in his dissatisfaction over his contract. Heading into the final season of his current deal, where he’s pulling in a base of .5 million, McLaurin finds himself firmly on the outside looking in at a market that’s ballooned well beyond million for guys like him. Sure, the brass might admit he’s due for a payday bump, but nailing down a figure that actually satisfies him? That’s a whole different beast. I mean, the dude’s been sidelining offseason workouts—both the optional and those he legally has to attend—sending a pretty unmistakable signal he’s not thrilled. And let’s be honest: as his 30th birthday ticks closer, this might be his last chance to lock in a deal reflecting his worth. With five straight 1,000-yard seasons under his belt and last year’s sterling stats of 82 grabs, 1,096 yards, and 13 touchdowns, the question lingers—will he stand his ground if the Commanders don’t meet his demands before camp? Meanwhile, the team’s balancing act continues, weighing his cap hit against the rookie contract of young QB Jayden Daniels. It’s a complex chess match, with plenty of pieces still in motion. LEARN MOREThe best news for the Commanders is that a new deal undoubtedly would drop his cap number, which is due to be .5 million in 2025. That said, they may prefer to burn up cap dollars during the next two years of quarterback Jayden Daniels’s rookie deal. Come 2027, it’ll be time to pay him a lot more than .436 million he’s making per year on his initial NFL contract.It’s a summer of discontent for multiple pass rushers. There’s a pass catcher who still isn’t happy with his contract.McLaurin has five straight 1,000-yard seasons. Last year, he finished with 82 catches for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns.Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin enters the last year of his current deal, at a base salary of .5 million. With the new-money market now north of million, he clearly deserves an adjustment. Acknowledging that fact is one thing; coming up with a number that makes him happy is another.Will he hold out if he doesn’t get what he wants before camp starts? That remains to be seen. Regardless, he turns 30 on September 15; this is his last shot to get paid. And the best way to apply leverage is to deny services.