Carson Wentz has kept in touch with Terry McLaurin amid WR’s holdout

New Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz has left a positive impression on his teammates and coaching staff despite operating during OTAs without his No. 1 receiver, Terry McLaurin, who remains away from the team due to the status of his contract.

The emergence of rookie Jahan Dotson has made that transition much easier for Wentz. The No. 16 overall pick has far and away been Wentz’s favorite target throughout OTAs. That sense of security has really lessened the pressure on Wentz, who’s entering this make-or-break year with the right mindset.

While speaking to reporters after Wednesday’s practice, the final of OTAs before mandatory minicamp next week, Wentz’ reiterated that he’s not worried about the outside noise (Troy Aikman saying 2022 is his last chance to prove himself as a franchise QB) and focused solely on what he can control in Ashburn.

With so much pressure facing the Commanders’ QB, it’d really help if he started developing chemistry with his top WR. While Wentz awaits McLaurin’s return, he revealed the two have been in contact throughout the offseason.

Eager for Terry McLaurin to return to the Commanders, Carson Wentz has kept in touch with the star receiver.

"“I’ve spoken with Terry quite a bit. I’ve been around him a couple times already, so excited for when we do get back out on that field together.”"

Wentz obviously hasn’t been around McLaurin since before the draft, but the fact the 2017 Pro Bowler has kept in touch with his No. 1 receiver is a surefire way to ensure their chemistry isn’t wonky once the latter returns to practice. When that is remains to be seen, but Ron Rivera noted he expects McLaurin to be at mandatory minicamp next week simply due to the fact that it’s mandatory.

In the meantime, Wentz has enjoyed working with the rest of the Commanders’ offense, including the 2022 rookie class.

"“I think we have a unique group. It’s been fun getting even the young guys involved, the guys we drafted—Jahan, Cole (Turner), Brian Robinson—getting all those guys in the mix kinda halfway through this offseason. It’s been a lot of fun to just see different personalities, and really we’ll start to see that in training camp once the pads go on…I think we got a good bunch of the skillset guys.”"

That’s well-said by Wentz. In addition to the rookies, Curtis Samuel, Logan Thomas and Cam Sims will all make his job easier. Even Dyami Brown could take a huge leap as a sophomore, as Wentz’s deep-ball prowess figures to be a seamless fit with the 2021 third-rounder, who was an elite deep threat at UNC.

Despite the talent surrounding Wentz, it goes without saying McLaurin is the offense’s nucleus. With back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and regarded as one of the NFL’s best receivers in contested-catch situations, Wentz recognizes the offense takes on a whole new level of dangerous with McLaurin in the lineup.

"“Everybody knows what he brings to the table. I’ve now been watching film and seeing different things and seeing him just continue to make play after play. The dynamic he brings will just elevate us, there’s no doubt about it.”“He’s an extremely talented guy and a great, great person, I’ve already learned, and a hard-working guy. I know he’ll be ready to go when that time is.”"

You absolutely love to hear that! Only thing left to do now is wait and see if McLaurin’s back in Ashburn for minicamp next week so he and his new QB can finally take the next steps of their relationship.