Commanders HC Reacts to Terry McLaurin Changing Holdout Stance

Dan Quinn wasted no time giving his take on Washington Commanders contract rebel Terry McLaurin changing his holdout stance and reporting to training camp.

McLaurin, who wants a new deal, officially reported to camp on Sunday, July 27, per the Commanders. The wide receiver was “reinstated” from the “Reserve/Did Not Report and placed him on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform List.”

A corresponding move saw cornerback Fentrell Cypress released to make way.

Naturally, Quinn soon faced reporters who asked for his opinion on the wideout’s status moving forward. Quinn admitted, “I’m really pumped he’s here. He’s such an awesome competitor,” per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

Even though Quinn also revealed, “they’re still working with McLaurin’s rep on a deal and he’ll be working with the trainers on the side,” many remain unconvinced this changes anything between player and team.

No Breakthrough Expected Between Terry McLaurin, Commanders

Few observers see this u-turn of sorts from McLaurin as a step toward a resolution about a next contract. Among them, ESPN’s John Keim is “not sure this means progress. Does mean no more fines.”

Eliminating the possibility of further fines doesn’t just positively impact McLaurin’s wallet in the short-term. It should also ensure some goodwill remains between McLaurin, his reps and the Commanders’ front office.

Yet, Keim’s scepticism is shared by 106.7 The Fan’s Grant Paulsen. He interpreted Quinn’s reluctance to reveal if McLaurin “would start practicing when his ankle is healed” as proof “this is now a hold-in.”

Paulsen’s thought is echoed by The Team 980’s Ben Standig, who believes “McLaurin has chosen the hold-in route. No resolution to the contract extension debate quite yet.”

A hold-in is McLaurin’s next recourse to try and weaken the Commanders’ stance, but general manager Adam Peters apparently remains content to take a measured risk with the future of the dynamic wideout.

Commanders Taking Measured Risk With Terry McLaurin

To some, including Dan Duggan of The Athletic, who called it “crazy” to let McLaurin’s contract standoff drag on, what the Commanders are doing may seem reckless. Yet, the gamble Peters is taking is more of a measured one, based on a few important factors.

The first involves five-time 1,000-yard receiver McLaurin being a consummate professional and ultra-productive, but not quite in the bracket of the NFL’s elite at his position. Not quite on a par with All-Pros like Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase and Tyreek Hill.

McLaurin’s good, and he played a crucial role in the rapid rise to stardom enjoyed by quarterback and NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels. A star QB1 playing on a rookie deal lends the Commanders enough financial flexibility to pay McLaurin, but Peters will know how a marquee signal-caller makes every receiver better, so Daniels would likely still thrive without last season’s go-to target.

The chances of that happening will be stronger with the right plan for multi-purpose playmaker Deebo Samuel. His presence, along with potential breakout second-year pro Luke McCaffrey, offer the Commanders safeguards against McLaurin’s future not being resolved for a prolonged period of time.

Getting a deal done still seems like the best solution for all involved, but the Commanders have more leverage than many might suppose, despite McLaurin’s numbers and importance.