3 teams the Commanders screwed by extending Terry McLaurin

2. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts are one of the NFL’s most interesting teams entering 2022. Frank Reich has established himself as an elite head coach, but his Indy teams have often flamed out in the first round or just before the playoffs.

While Matt Ryan’s steadying presence and leadership is an upgrade to the volatile Carson Wentz (it’s true!), the former MVP has a wonky receiving corps.

Outside of Michael Pittman, who looked the part of a No. 1 option in 2021 when he logged 88 catches for 1,082 yards and six touchdowns, Parris Campbell has played 15 games in three years, Ashton Dulin has 18 catches in three seasons and a lot (maybe too much) will be asked of second-round pick Alec Pierce as a rookie.

Of course, the Colts wouldn’t be in this position if they simply drafted McLaurin back in 2019. Slated with three different chances to take the hometown kid, Indy nabbed Rock Ya-Sin, Ben Banogu and Campbell (in order) over McLaurin.

An Indianapolis native who starred at Cathedral High School, which is less than an hour drive from Lucas Oil Stadium, you have to think general manager Chris Ballard would’ve looked to rectify this mistake by offering McLaurin a mammoth contract in free agency next year, as Indy will have $23.15 million in cap space.

Unfortunately for Ballard, this mistake is incapable of being fixed. McLaurin is signed with Washington through 2025. You snooze, you lose.