The plot thickens between the Washington Commanders and Terry McLaurin. And the worst fears of fans seem to be coming true.
Adam Peters provided a brief sense of calm during his media availability regarding his contract standoff with the wide receiver. McLaurin painted a completely different picture through actions. And if the alarm bells weren't ringing before, they definitely are now.
According to Ian Rapoport from the NFL Network, which was later confirmed by beat writers with close association to the team, McLaurin wasn't present for the team's physicals as they reported for training camp today. This absence probably indicates the former third-round pick out of Ohio State won't be showing up when the team participates in its first practice session tomorrow.
Terry McLaurin plays his final card in pursuit of Commanders extension
It was always a realistic scenario. McLaurin isn't happy with the lack of progress being made, although Peters did reveal that talks had begun after a stalemate over the offseason. The wideout feels disrespected and undervalued, which brought the breaking point closer than it's ever been.
McLaurin wants what he deserves. He's willing to take drastic measures to get it, but the Commanders seem pretty dug in regarding their stance.
They want to pay McLaurin. But the $30 million per season or more for someone who'll be 30 years old in September is a little too rich right now.
Peters can ill afford a firestorm here. The Commanders need McLaurin on the field as preparations for a crucial 2025 season gather pace. Jayden Daniels needs his best weapon. The locker room needs its inspirational leader. But the general manager is not going to be held to ransom for anybody.
Not many thought this situation would reach this level. McLaurin loves the team, and he's long proven himself as a franchise cornerstone. While a new deal remains the most likely outcome, it's rapidly becoming a distraction that could derail their hopes of starting on the front foot this season.
Reports suggested McLaurin was contemplating all options, ready to escalate the situation if he felt it could help. Peters is professional enough to stay the course, but this relationship cannot sour any further.
That's going to have a cataclysmic impact on the Commanders' chances of going deep into the playoffs once again. McLaurin is the beating heart of everything good about this franchise's renaissance. Not reaching some middle ground quickly is organizational malpractice.
This has already gone on for long enough. And it's only going to get worse from here unless some urgency is deployed from both sides.