Washington Commanders rookies have already reported for training camp. Veterans will join them on Tuesday before the first practice session on Wednesday. And as things stand, no new deal has been agreed with star wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
The Commanders are standing their ground with McLaurin, refusing to meet his asking price and souring this previously flourishing relationship. This left the wide receiver feeling underappreciated and despondent, going to the media to voice his displeasure in an out-of-character move that raised the stakes considerably.
McLaurin won't be on the field for training camp if no new deal arrives. He wants a pay increase and more long-term security. The Commanders have been reluctant so far, but fans are still expecting some sort of compromise to be reached that works for all parties.
Commanders' treatment of Terry McLaurin continues to raise eyebrows
Time is of the essence, and the Commanders aren't coming out of it looking especially good right now. Things can change quickly, but count Nicki Jhabvala from The Washington Post among those who are surprised by the way one of the team's genuine franchise cornerstones has been treated.
"He's everything you would want in a team leader. He's great on the field, great off the field. I mean, he's good with everybody. Good with the media. He's like the perfect ambassador for the team. I'm surprised it's dragged on this long, frankly. I still hold out hope that maybe it gets done, but we'll see. It doesn't sound like there's been much movement."Nicki Jhabvala via The Team 980
.@EBJunkies is stunned that Terry McLaurin is the hill that ownership's checkbook is gonna die on - and @NickiJhabvala seems to agree. pic.twitter.com/v2XTrsIwPx
— The Team 980 (@team980) July 21, 2025
Jhabvala wasn't alone. The Sports Junkies on The Team 980 echoed this sentiment, outlining McLaurin's influence going way beyond game days. His loyalty to stick with the organization during some torrid times, coupled with his gradual ascent into the top-level bracket of wideouts league-wide, should be enough for another extension.
It's worth remembering that general manager Adam Peters is running the Commanders like a business. He wants to get something worked out, but the front-office leader also wants the money to work for Washington's long-term plans for sustained contention. It's not there yet, but the middle ground must be reached sooner rather than later.
McLaurin is too important to back him into a corner. It's already a distraction the Commanders don't need, so questions will be asked if the wideout misses time on the practice field at training camp before a crucial second season in Washington for head coach Dan Quinn and quarterback Jayden Daniels.
The panic level is growing. But there is still time for Peters to salvage this ongoing predicament before things get even more complicated.