One issue could derail Commanders’ training camp before it even begins

The Washington Commanders are in good shape heading into the 2025 campaign. However, there is one glaringly obvious issue that must be resolved before training camp rolls around.

Adam Peters has barely put a foot wrong since becoming general manager. The Commanders went from a roster devoid of talent to a surging operation that reached the NFC Championship game in just a few short months. Fans trust him fully, and optimism is high that this was just the start of a prosperous future.

That's why he cannot let the contract issue with Terry McLaurin drag on. The prolific wide receiver skipped voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamp with no deal agreed upon. There are growing reports that the player is frustrated about the lack of progress in negotiations, which is causing some mild concern.

We're still a few weeks away from training camp. If this situation is still the same at the end of July, that's when doubts will surface. But looking at McLaurin's importance and Peters' professional approach, some middle ground should be reached before then.

Commanders urged to fix Terry McLaurin's contract standoff urgently

Aaron Schatz from ESPN urged the Commanders to fix this unwanted distraction. The analyst placed extending McLaurin atop Washington's to-do list before camp, which is a sentiment echoed by every fan who's cheered on the former third-round pick since joining the club.

[Terry] McLaurin has been one of the league's best receivers for years, but he never reached his highest potential because of poor quarterback play prior to 2024. That's not a problem now with Jayden Daniels in town, and McLaurin ranked fifth in DYAR (defense-adjusted yards above replacement) last season. However, McLaurin's current contract voids after the 2025 season, and the Commanders need to fix that. He skipped a recent mandatory minicamp in hopes that it would prod the Commanders into coming closer to the number he wants on the next contract.Aaron Schatz

McLaurin is far too valuable for any other outcome. That's the bottom line here.

Speculation linking the wideout with a trade isn't worth the time. The Commanders aren't in the business of letting their stars leave anymore. Peters wants to tie down the second-team All-Pro. This is about finding the right deal that works for both the player and Washington.

The Commanders are on the cusp of something special. They cannot afford anything jeopardizing their hopes of going deep into the postseason once again. McLaurin doesn't want that either. He's a team-first guy who's finally experiencing the good times after persevering through some extremely dark days.

Fans are still confident McLaurin will get extended. It's proving more complicated than some thought, but this is a big-money deal worthy of some extra negotiation time.