Reports indicate that Terry McLaurin, a wide receiver for the Washington Commanders, has formally requested a change of scenery. This news surfaces amid McLaurin’s efforts to secure an updated contract extension with his current team throughout the off-season.
The two-time Pro Bowl selectee initially abstained from team activities in pursuit of a new agreement. However, he made his presence known at training camp last Saturday. Following a mandatory medical evaluation, McLaurin was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list due to an ankle ailment.
McLaurin’s pursuit of a new contract coincides with a period of unprecedented financial growth in the wide receiver market. Over the past year, numerous receivers, including CeeDee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys, Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings, and Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals, have inked lucrative deals, boasting annual values of $34 million (Lamb), $35 million (Jefferson), and $40 million (Chase).
After six years as a starting player and two Pro Bowl selections, McLaurin expressed the desire to negotiate a contract mirroring those of his peers.
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McLaurin, an Ohio State product selected by Washington in the 2019 draft, has maintained a starting role in every game since his arrival. In 2022, he agreed to a three-year rookie extension valued at $68.4 million and is currently slated to earn a base salary of $15.5 million this season.
Last year marked a career pinnacle for McLaurin, as he amassed 82 receptions for 1,096 yards, leading the team in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. He also recorded 13 touchdowns, a career high and twice the number of touchdowns scored by the next receiver on the Commanders’ roster.
However, McLaurin’s age has reportedly become a focal point in negotiations, as the wide receiver is scheduled to turn 30 in September.
Earlier this month, McLaurin voiced his “frustration” with the negotiation process but expressed his desire to remain in Washington if feasible.
“I’ve been pretty frustrated, I’m not going to lie. Everything that has transpired up until this point has been disappointing and frustrating. I want to continue my career here. I’ve created my life here. My wife and I bought our first home here. This has been somewhere I’ve always wanted to be,” he said.
On Sunday, McLaurin attended training camp but did not participate in practice. He addressed the situation while signing autographs for fans.
“It’s tough,” McLaurin said, according to Yahoo Sports’ Jori Epstein. “But it’s the business right now, and just trying to take things day by day.”
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn conveyed his enthusiasm about McLaurin’s return to the team on Sunday.
“He’s such an awesome competitor,” Quinn remarked. “It was great to see him.”
Nevertheless, circumstances have deteriorated to the extent that McLaurin is now exploring potential opportunities elsewhere.
Several other prominent players are currently holding out during the initial weeks of training camp, with the ongoing dispute between Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys commanding significant attention. Trey Hendrickson, a defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals and another notable holdout, remains unsigned but intends to report to training camp soon.
