GM Martin Mayhew drops bombshell about past negotiations with Brandon Scherff

The Washington Football Team already signed Charles Leno to a three-year contract extension worth $37.5 million and the word on the street, per in-the-know insiders, is that more deals could be on the way.

Here’s what we know so far.

Washington is interested in re-signing JD McKissic, who finished second on the team in both catches and receiving yards despite missing the last six games due to injury, as well as Bobby McCain, who tallied the most interceptions and the second-most pass breakups as a full-time safety.

Terry McLaurin obviously belongs in that mix, but his deal could take longer to negotiate given he’ll want big-time money.

There are still plenty of question marks to answer this offseason, but this is undoubtedly a promising sign of things to come.

Speaking of answers, it feels like Brandon Scherff’s fate has been decided. Why do we say that? Because GM Martin Mayhew came out publicly this week and made a shocking revelation about past negotiations with the star guard.

Washington guard Brandon Scherff rejected a lot of money last offseason.

"“Brandon is an outstanding player,” Mayhew told reporters in his end-of-season press conference on Tuesday.“Seven years here, five Pro Bowls. You can’t replace that kind of production. Very, very respected in the locker room and it’s been great getting to know him. It’s my first year here, being around him and seeing his work ethic.“But I think our fans should know, we’ve made every effort to get something done. We’ll continue to work on that. Last year we made him an offer to be the highest-paid offensive guard in the history of the National Football League. We’ll keep that dialogue going and we’ll see where things go.”"

Like any story, there’s two sides to this saga.

From Washington’s perspective, leaking this news was clearly executed with the intent of establishing leverage over Scherff. Assuming it’s effective and he doesn’t budge in negotiations, it’s safe to assume the Pro Bowler will test the free agent waters and sign to the highest bidder.

While Scherff is a stud, Washington can’t afford to pay a guard $18-20 million annually with how much is on their plate this offseason.

What about the player’s perspective? Should fans be annoyed Scherff, who has consistently preached his desire to be here for the long haul and did so as recently as Tuesday, turned down a record-setting contract (i.e. long-term financial security) to play under the franchise tag?

Yes and no.

On one hand, you can sympathize with Scherff for wanting to maximize his career earnings. A lot of you would do the same in his position. On the other, if he really wanted to be in Washington, wouldn’t he have just accepted the offer?

It’s tough to pick a side, but ultimately we’re on Washington’s.

Sorry, but Scherff can’t just wax poetic about how much he loves it here then suggest otherwise with his actions and expect us to side with him.

We’re not gonna ridicule the guy for wanting to earn as much money as possible before he retires, and the fact that money seemingly meant more to him than making a long-term commitment to the franchise that drafted and groomed him for several years is fine, too.

Don’t expect us to beg him to stay, though.

If he wants to leave, then leave.