The Washington Commanders open mandatory minicamp Tuesday, and one of their top players is unlikely to attend.
According to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post, contract talks between the team and wide receiver Terry McLaurin remain “far apart.” And, unless something changes, he’s “unlikely” to attend Washington’s three-day minicamp this week.
McLaurin is entering the final year of his rookie deal and, along with Seattle’s DK Metcalf and San Francisco’s Deebo Samuel, is next in line for a lucrative contract extension. McLaurin will earn $2.79 million in 2022.
Multiple top wide receivers have received massive paydays this offseason, including Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams and A.J. Brown — all three of which have changed teams via trade.
Talks between Commanders & Terry McLaurin’s reps have continued, per sources. While there’s been some progress, they’re still far apart and, as of now (things may change), McLaurin seems unlikely to show for minicamp. He returned to Fla. today to resume training for the season.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) June 12, 2022
Jhabvala did note there had been progress between the two sides, which would create some sense of optimism. However, with the sides still far apart, this late in the offseason is a concern.
Washington fans have seen this far too often. The team expresses confidence in keeping the player, and the player says he wants to stay, but the Commanders can’t get a deal done in the end. McLaurin is one of the more important players for Washington to keep in recent years. He is among the best players at his position, popular with fans, a strong leader and a high-character guy.
Rivera has said multiple times this offseason Washington wants McLaurin and will do everything in its power to retain him. He’s told everyone to relax. With around six weeks remaining until training camp, fans are becoming restless while waiting for good news on the McLaurin front.