Terry McLaurin is still seeking a new deal from the Washington Commanders that hasn't been forthcoming as yet. But another intriguing development around the league could speed up the process with a few short days remaining until training camp.
McLaurin's frustrations are building as the Commanders drag out his extension. The wide receiver skipped voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamp out of protest, but it didn't raise urgency whatsoever.
Head coach Dan Quinn is keeping him locked in while the business side of things takes center stage. There's reportedly been no progress made in negotiations over the last month. Fans aren't panicking just yet. That won't be the case if McLaurin's holdout continues into camp.
The New York Jets had no such issues working out a deal with Garrett Wilson. He received a four-year, $130 million extension with $90 million guaranteed from the AFC East club. That won't have gone unnoticed by McLaurin during his time away from the franchise.
Garrett Wilson deal could help Commanders find middle ground with Terry McLaurin
While sections of the fan base are worried that Wilson's deal could see the price go up for McLaurin, JP Finlay from NBC Sports had a different opinion. The team insider thought this could help find some middle ground, especially considering the Commanders now know what the floor is regarding the annual salary.
"I think the Garrett Wilson deal actually makes the [Terry] McLaurin deal easier. Sure GW is younger but the floor is $30M. Can’t really argue otherwise now, and maybe you couldn’t before either."JP Fiinlay via X
Finlay is right. McLaurin's floor, regardless of the concerns surrounding his age, is $30 million per season. That's the going rate for elite-level performers, of which he is one.
Wilson is younger with more long-term upside than McLaurin. However, the former third-round pick out of Ohio State has shown no signs of slowing down just yet. That makes him an integral part of the team's plans in the coming years — someone that needs to be locked up at the earliest possible opportunity.
This is already becoming a distraction the Commanders don't need. McLaurin deserves every cent coming his way. It's taking time to find the right compromise for the player and the team, but there doesn't appear to be any bad blood brewing.
For now, at least.
Things should become clearer in the upcoming days. The Commanders report for training camp early next week. McLaurin might be there, or he might not. That depends on whether general manager Adam Peters bows to his demands.
Wilson's deal is another measuring stick. And who knows, perhaps it might light a fire under the Commanders' brass to get something done with McLaurin.
The sooner that happens, the better.
