Commanders News: Sam Howell, Terry McLaurin, Jayden Daniels and Jim Harbaugh
By Dean Jones
Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines with the team in the midst of their bye week rest and recuperation?
It's been relatively calm on the Western Front where the Washington Commanders are concerned this week. This has a lot to do with the team currently enjoying its extended period of bye week rest, which will be followed by what is surely going to be the last stretch of games of Ron Rivera's head coaching tenure.
While we wait for players to return and look forward to a stress-free Sunday of NFL action this weekend, the stories causing a stir include the case for Sam Howell to make the Pro Bowl, Terry McLaurin's reported friction, a potential head coaching candidate discussing a new deal, and Washington taking an up-and-coming quarterback with their top-five selection in the 2024 draft.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Potential Commanders head coaching target discussing a new deal
Jim Harbaugh's name is constantly coming up in head coaching discussions right now. Many anticipate the Michigan man to return to the NFL despite leading the Wolverines into the college football playoffs yet again, but there was a fresh twist to the tale on Thursday.
According to Dan Wetzel from Yahoo Sports, Michigan has been in discussions with Harbaugh regarding a new five-year contract that's supposedly worth $11 million per year. The college program is also keen for a caveat that prevents their coach from leaving for the next level.
Contract negotiations between Michigan and Jim Harbaugh are ongoing, including an extension at just under $11 million per year. However industry sources tell Yahoo Sports a deal is not imminent and there is work to be done.
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) December 7, 2023
Wetzel added that nothing is imminent regarding a new deal and talks are ongoing. If the Washington Commanders identify Harbaugh as the man capable of leading this franchise back to prominence, then Josh Harris' ownership group needs to act quickly in pursuit of getting their preferred target in this scenario.