Terry McLaurin

Speaking on the Pat McAfee Show, ESPN’s Adam Schefter said “there is quite a gap” between the Commanders and Terry McLaurin’s contract demands.

According to Schefter, the two sides “have not made any progress” on negotiations. McLaurin is entering the final year of a three-year extension he signed in 2022, and will turn 30 shortly after the start of the season. A consistent 1,000-yard producer, McLaurin caught 82 passes for 1,096 yards and a career high 13 touchdowns last season, and is rumored to be seeking out a deal that would pay him close to $30 million per year. That would put him in the range of players like Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, and A.J. Brown, and make him one of the 10 highest paid receivers in the league. It feels like a lofty ask for a player who has never been regarded as top-10 at his position, and whose efficiency metrics have been far from elite over the last two seasons. That said, McLaurin has been a consummate pro for the Commanders during his six years as a pro, and has endured some tough seasons along the way. It’s hard to imagine the two sides not agreeing to terms before the start of camp, but it may not come without a few difficult conversations. McLaurin projects as a solid WR2 in fantasy this season, but could face added competition for targets with Deebo Samuel now in the mix.