Terry McLaurin's contract standoff with the Washington Commanders shows no signs of coming to a successful resolution. To say that one quarterback turned analyst isn't happy about it would be an understatement.
McLaurin handed in a trade request last week, which the Commanders are not going to grant. They see him as a pivotal piece of the puzzle, but both sides remain far apart on their respective valuations of his next deal.
The lines in the sand have been drawn, and nobody is budging. And if the problem goes on much longer, it could have detrimental ramifications on the team's chances to mount another deep playoff run in 2025.
Dan Orlovsky blasts Commanders for handling of Terry McLaurin's contract extension
Dan Orlovsky from ESPN launched a scathing attack on the Commanders for their handling of the situation on First Take. He believes McLaurin's previous commitment to the franchise and his importance to the club should have made this a simple process. As we all know, that's simply not the case.
"This has been one of the dumbest things around the NFL this offseason. It's one of the most maddening situations that I've been watching. Respectfully, Washington, you were a dumpster fire for years. You were a laughingstock. The only good thing about your organization was that young man. He was the only reason someone would speak positively about your organization. If you don't have him, you erase everything you did last year. You need him. Give me receivers that impact winning as much, if not more than, Terry McLaurin. What are we doing in Washington? It makes no sense."Dan Orlovsky
"Respectfully Washington, you were a dumpster fire for years. ... The only thing good about your organization was [Terry McLaurin]."
— First Take (@FirstTake) August 4, 2025
—@danorlovsky7 on McLaurin's contract negotiations being "one of the dumbest" NFL offseason situations 😅 pic.twitter.com/swkdTAxApH
That's a very straightforward way of looking at things. McLaurin is a second-team All-Pro and revered by everyone associated with the Commanders. But general manager Adam Peters is reluctant to pay him $30 million or more per season on his extension, which wouldn't come into effect until the pass-catcher is 31 years old.
This is the main stumbling block. McLaurin is trying to get paid based on what he's done before. Peters is looking at the bigger picture, especially considering the typical drop-off in production as receivers get older.
It's a frustrating distraction right now. McLaurin hasn't practiced for months with his teammates. He's professional enough to stay prepared, but one doesn't have to look far throughout NFL history for examples of players who start slowly after holding out (or in) at training camp.
Peters is doing what he believes is the right thing for the organization's future. McLaurin wants to be paid among the league's best despite his advancing years. Some compromises must be made, and quickly, to ensure this doesn't impact the Commanders' hopes when the regular season begins.
Because if McLaurin isn't on the field in Week 1, this becomes a much bigger problem.