There was genuine excitement in the air at practice as the Washington Commanders spiced things up with a Burgundy vs. Gold scrimmage between the players. But not for the first time this summer, what happened on the sidelines drew more attention.
And also not for the first time, it involved wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
Even though McLaurin wasn't participating in the session, as he continues his contract hold-in, he was out watching his teammates get physical with one another in game-like scenarios. This is a first, with the second-team All-Pro opting to stay inside until practice concluded up to now.
Terry McLaurin and Adam Peters set social media ablaze with Commanders camp conversation
One social media video, in particular, sent Commanders' fans into a frenzy. NBC Sports Washington captured McLaurin talking to general manager Adam Peters on the sideline. This inevitably came with hope that a deal was close. Nothing has been confirmed on that front, but it shows that the lines of communication are still open.
Terry McLaurin and Adam Peters talking on the sideline in Ashburn today 🧐@JPFinlayNBCS #RaiseHail #Commanders pic.twitter.com/9Z4A15FGZs
— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) August 12, 2025
Everyone became a lip-reading expert, closely analyzing everything that McLaurin and Peters were saying to one another. We'll never know for sure, but the fact that there are still conversations taking place represents a positive for fans to cling to.
This was always going to get blown out of proportion. Anyone who thought otherwise hasn't been paying close enough attention.
Fans are sick of this saga dragging on much longer than expected. They want a successful resolution. They want to see McLaurin back on the field with his brothers, working towards the common goal of getting the Commanders back into the Super Bowl. This chat probably didn't mean much in the grand scheme of things, but it was a slight glimmer of hope amid the typical doom and gloom.
Nothing much has changed since McLaurin handed in a trade request. The Commanders are digging into their stance, and they have reportedly turned down calls from interested parties. There is no intent to dispose of McLaurin, so the next logical step is to find some middle ground.
Just when that'll arrive is the question nobody knows the answer to right now. McLaurin hasn't budged from his asking price, according to reports. The Commanders are a long way off from meeting the player's demands, and one quick conversation at training camp without his agent being present isn't going to change that.
The fact that everyone overreacted to this clip just shows how emotions remain high regarding the matter. Everyone wants McLaurin to finish his career in Washington. Peters does too, but only at a price that works for the organization.
But hey, at least they're still talking. That's something.