CBS insider has worrisome take on Terry McLaurin extension

The lone objective remaining on the Washington Commanders‘ offseason agenda should be extending Terry McLaurin.

As the offense’s best player for the last three years and the potential to be a top 10 receiver with more consistent quarterback play, McLaurin deserves to be a part of the wide receiver contract extravaganza that’s defined the offseason.

Ron Rivera and Martin Mayhew have been outspoken about McLaurin’s importance to the franchise as both a player and ambassador, and there’s seemingly mutual interest in getting a deal done. Even better? Neither party seems to be in a rush.

Though the 26-year-old isn’t expected to report for OTAs, he exemplified leadership by participating in everything but on-field work before the draft.  And unlike some extension-eligible WRs, he still follows the team on social media.

At the surface, there’s no reason to panic. However, CBS Sports insider Jason La Canfora doesn’t see it that way. In a recent article, La Canfora said extensions between the Commanders and McLaurin could get “explosive.”

Even worse? Canfora noted a trade is still a possibility.

Should Commanders fans be worried about the team’s extension negotiations with Terry McLaurin?

Here’s what La Canfora said about the supposed stalemate.

"This could get explosive, I believe. He has been the Washington offense, without legit QB play or a consistent run game. He is the leader and alpha on that side of the ball. He is durable and exceptional. The Titans eventually moved AJ Brown in large degree, I’m told, because he wasn’t in peak for enough (topping out around 70-percent of the snaps). Scary Terry is an 80-90% guy and never had a Derrick Henry, or even peak Tannehill.The fact that we haven’t heard a peep about them getting anywhere near a trade should scare Commanders fans, given how much the WR market has shifted this offseason and how much turmoil we have already seen at that position. Does this franchise have the bedside manner and nuance to handle this situation if it gets dicey? And I can’t help but wonder if at least one more receiver gets dealt (DK Metcalf could be that guy as well)."

That’s a pretty damning assessment of the situation, but we wouldn’t be too worried, at least not yet. After all, Rivera and Co. like to handle their business behind the scenes, unlike some front offices who like to leak every step to the media. And McLaurin, when has he ever been someone to make things public?

Another factor to consider? We’re still in May. Last year, Jonathan Allen didn’t sign his extension until late-July before training camp. Also viewed as a cornerstone player and upstanding representative of the franchise, Allen and the Commanders negotiated in silence before an agreement was announced.

Of course, DT and WR re two completely different positions and the latter has seen unprecedented movement and pay days this offseason.

Between Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill, two top five WRs, both getting traded and subsequently setting the AAV record for wideouts, AJ Brown getting dealt to the Eagles, Christian Kirk signing for $18 million annually, Amari Cooper getting traded to Cleveland and Marquise Brown moving from Baltimore to Arizona via trade, teams have opted to save money and trade their stars rather than pay them.

But trading McLaurin? The crown jewel of the fan base, who’s missed three games in three seasons, played through multiple injuries, racked up two straight 1,000-yard seasons and is in the middle of his prime at 26 years old? After the team finally upgraded at QB and were reluctant to spend money all offseason?

Nothing about trading McLaurin adds up. If this was more of a judgement call than insider information from La Canfora, we’d much rather defer to team reporters (Ben Standig, John Keim, etc) about the particulars of extension negotiations.