Latest news with #TerryMcLaurin
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Commanders' Austin Ekeler Has Terry McLaurin Contract Message
Commanders' Austin Ekeler Has Terry McLaurin Contract Message originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Washington Commanders haven't had too many bumps in the road since Dan Quinn took over last offseason, but my word, there's some trouble brewing this offseason. Advertisement Star receiver Terry McLaurin wants a new contract, but so far, nothing substantial has taken place, and Terry hasn't been sighted at all this offseason, even at OTAs or minicamp. With the general thought that the franchise will eventually come to terms with arguably their best offensive weapon, not named Jayden Daniels, running back Austin Ekeler has given his thoughts on No. 17 and his desire to get paid on the Ross Tucker podcast. 'I wish him the best, absolutely, go get what you're worth,' Ekeler said. 'You're a huge impact to not only the team but just the league in general. You made a bunch of great plays, especially coming off of last year, what you did for us, should be compensated because it's a high-impact player and also a high-value player for the league and for the DMV area. But definitely staying out, I don't even want to be in that, I'm staying on the outside.' Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images It would be foolish for Washington, which has pushed all its chips into the middle of the table this offseason by acquiring Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil, to then not have its best weapon on the field too. Advertisement To us, it doesn't make sense, and considering Terry is widely regarded as one receiver who, regardless of the circumstances, consistently puts up good numbers, the time has come to reward him. Will it get done? It should, but contract situations rarely go smoothly. And when it comes to Washington's chances in the NFC and the Super Bowl, it might just hinge on whether or not "Scary Terry" gets what "he's worth." Related: Commanders Aim To Keep Narrow Focus Amid High Expectations Related: Commanders' 2nd-Round Pick Earns Offseason Rookie Honor This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Newsweek
a day ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
NFL Wirter Cites 'Overreaction' to Terry McLaurin's Holdout
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Coming off a season that ended in an NFC Championship game appearance, the Washington Commanders have a lot to be excited about heading into 2025. However, they have one major off-field situation they need to address before the regular season gets underway. When OTA's and minicamp get underway, one of the biggest storylines across the NFL is contract holdouts. It's a rather common practice among players and something the Commanders find themselves dealing with. Heading into the final year of his contract, Terry McLaurin has been away from the team as he continues to negotiate with the front office. McLaurin has been a staple for the Commanders for years now, proving to be one of the most consistent wide receivers in the league. He quickly built a strong connection with quarterback Jayden Daniels, catching a career-high 13 touchdowns last season. Now, McLaurin wants to make sure he's properly compensated to match his peers at his position. Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders runs the ball to score a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 26, 2025 in Philadelphia,... Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders runs the ball to score a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 26, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles beat the Commanders 55-23. More LaurenRead more: NFL Insider Provides Latest Developments on Commanders Star's Holdout Following minicamp, John Breech of CBS Sports broke down a series of major storylines across the NFL. Among the topics he dove into was McLaurin's standoff with the Commanders. When posed with the question if the star wideout will miss time due to his holdout, he labeled it an overreaction. "Terry McLaurin is holding out over a contract dispute, as he's entering the final year of his deal," Breech wrote. "The Commanders don't seem too concerned about it, but the market has certainly changed since McLaurin's last extension. Is McLaurin worth $30 million a year after coming off a career-high 13 touchdowns? The Commanders would be foolish to let this holdout drag on. Good chance this holdout ends sooner rather than later." Read more: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Named Top Standout Among his Peers As Breech mentioned, the Commanders cannot let this situation drag into the regular season. The franchise drastically altered its trajectory last year and needs to capitalize on its newfound momentum. Last thing they need is off-field drama hanging over their heads as they attempt to remain a threat to contend in the NFC. Seeing that the Commanders have been in this kind of situation before with McLaurin, the expectation should be that the two sides will work things out. Given the success he had alongside Daniels, they are in no position to not keep him around for the foreseeable future. With wide receivers around the league receiving top dollar, price will be the key factor in this holdout coming to a close. Only time will tell if and when the Commanders will put an end to this back-and-forth with McLaurin. For more Washington Commanders and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
New York Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
What Commanders' offseason program taught us about each position group
The Washington Commanders closed their offseason program last week, sending players back into the wild before all reconvene in roughly five weeks. Work in organized team activities and minicamp helped set the stage for training camp and preseason games. Here's what we learned, what we think we know and which questions remain. To shake things up, positions are listed by level of intrigue. We get to Jayden Daniels, I promise. Advertisement Let's begin with Washington's primary source of minicamp drama. Terry McLaurin staying away from the on-field portions of the offseason program amid contract talks wasn't shocking. Specific storylines involving Noah Brown and Deebo Samuel were not on the agenda. McLaurin's camp is having a repeat of 2022 before the receiver signed a three-year, $68.4 million extension. Following that path means agreeing to terms ahead of training camp, which begins in the second half of July. I remain in no-panic mode (easy for an outsider to say) despite some apparent consternation over assessing the 2024 second-team All-Pro's production versus future results starting in his age-30 season. The Miami Dolphins' Tyreek Hill, among the group with an average annual value at $30 million, is the only receiver older (31) than McLaurin among the top 15 in AAV. At $30 million, Hill and Brandon Aiyuk fall between DK Metcalf ($32.99 million) and Tee Higgins ($28.75 million), two of the prominent signings this offseason. It's hard to see any receivers being more critical to their team on and off the field than Washington's top target. There was no injury update as of Tuesday night after Brown was carted off the field during last week's session. The 6-foot-2 receiver gingerly walked to the sideline following an awkward finish after going low to catch a pass from Marcus Mariota. Overlooked in discussions about Washington's passing game, Brown's size and physicality make him a unique perimeter presence. Then there was the social media fuss when a clip from practice showed Samuel jogging while running a route. Players often do not run full speed during certain portions of practice where the focus is on communication more than execution. People also took the opportunity to question the ex-San Francisco 49ers' physique. There's a history of weight struggles over his career, which is something to monitor, but claiming Samuel is currently chunky seems off. Advertisement Samuel has a natural, thicker build, more like a running back than a receiver. He garners backfield snaps accordingly. Coach Dan Quinn, likely aware of the criticisms, praised Samuel's speed and performance last week. On a positive front, second-year receiver Luke McCaffrey appeared more comfortable with all facets of his role. Fourth-round rookie Jaylin Lane's speed popped, though the controlled nature of these sessions limited his game-changing impact. They round out the five roster locks. Chris Moore, taking advantage of Michael Gallup missing several days with a hamstring injury, flashed on some downfield throws. All will have chances to secure more playing time or a roster spot later this summer. Hopefully, not because these angles with McLaurin, Brown and Samuel are ongoing. Washington's decision-makers know plenty about Laremy Tunsil, the player. Quinn and others have spent time with the man tasked with protecting Daniels' blindside since the shocking trade with the Houston Texans in March. 'I think most of the time, some of the very best leaders are excellent communicators, and I felt that way with (Tunsil) right from the beginning,' Quinn said. 'I got a chance to meet his family, and what were the things in his background that made him unique and finding out about him.' Plenty of time was spent on football matters, though the Commanders knew what they were landing with the five-time Pro Bowler and one of the league's top pass protectors. Training camp becomes about cohesion. One question was resolved when Quinn stated that Brandon Coleman's transition from left tackle would involve shifting one spot over. That doesn't mean the second-year lineman is the definite starter between Tunsil and center Tyler Biadasz, but it's his job to lose. Nick Allegretti would then slide to right guard until Sam Cosmi recovers from January's ACL surgery, though Nate Herbig should not be ruled out. Advertisement Coleman at guard also means the starter at right tackle will be either first-round pick Josh Conerly Jr. or Andrew Wylie. Granted, the staff could platoon the pair. Washington split left tackle work between Coleman and veteran Cornelius Lucas for half the season in 2024. Conerly, 21, is the long-term play. Wylie, the right tackle starter two years running, might be the best bet for Week 1. He's at least a viable third tackle. All the line shuffling is about aiding quarterback sensation Daniels. It's an offensive line with far greater potential than the group Quinn and general manager Adam Peters inherited. What a (potential) difference a year makes. Rolling out cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore, Mike Sainristil, second-round rookie Trey Amos, two-time Super Bowl champion Jonathan Jones and 2024 slot starter Noah Igbinoghene is a significant on-paper upgrade over last season's initial group. That the lengthy Amos looked the part in OTAs and minicamp, and Lattimore arrived healthy and humble after a trying time post-trade, increased the optimism. Of course, mid-June isn't the same as Week 1 against the New York Giants or 17 regular-season games. Lattimore missed 25 of 51 games over the past three seasons with various injuries and hasn't received a Pro Bowl nod since 2021. Praise Amos' early work as desired, but the memory of 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes Jr.'s significant flameout still lingers. Regardless, this group has the pieces to contend with the playmaking receiving corps across the NFC East when intact. That's not something that could be said last season. Safety Quan Martin has breakout potential, or at least the staff feels that way. Don't expect Will Harris to replace Jeremy Chinn directly, even though that's the general story. Chinn provided hard hitting, while Harris' strength is positional versatility. Rotating across multiple spots in live action is crucial when facing shifting offensive formations. Like the line play, gauging running backs without any tackling or pads won't lead to firm conclusions. Regardless, lead back Brian Robinson Jr. checked off various boxes entering his contract year, including health and focus. Seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt surprised some in the building with a bigger frame than expected while flashing his one-cut burst. Advertisement No disrespect to Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols, but Robinson and Croskey-Merritt will determine if Washington's appetite for more explosive backfield production occurs. Expect exciting social media posts this summer over roster long shots Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Michael Wiley. Enough to shake up the depth chart? That seems unlikely, but searching for big-play potential keeps all doors open. Does Washington add help on the edge by the start of training camp? My sense after these workouts is … no, and not solely because of those at defensive end. The organization wants a longer look at how new big men Javon Kinlaw, Deatrich Wise Jr. and Eddie Goldman mesh with holdovers Daron Payne, Dorance Armstrong and 2024 second-rounder Johnny Newton in training camp. The group is more physically imposing, at a minimum. The 6-foot-3, 320-pound Payne was the rare hulking presence last season. Tackles Kinlaw (6-foot-5, 319 pounds) and Goldman (6-foot-3, 320 pounds) now join the 300-pound club. Wise (6-foot-5, 280 pounds) is more equipped to defend the edge compared to Washington's 2024 sacks leader Dante Fowler Jr. and other defensive end options last season. Kinlaw will also play some outside. 'Man, we got some big guys,' Payne said. 'They're huge, strong and can get active.' That's not the same as slowing down 2024 nemesis Saquon Barkley and other ground games — Washington ranked 30th against the run last season — but there's a sense that increased depth and bulk will bolster the front. No one predicted Fowler would record double-figure sacks last season, and that was a consistent refrain from the team when the notion of needing more pressure came up. Fowler rejoined the Dallas Cowboys in free agency, and Washington did not sign or draft any obvious change agents to join linebacker Frankie Luvu (eight sacks in 2024). Advertisement Newcomer Jacob Martin, 2024 seventh-round pick Javontae Jean-Baptiste and veteran Clelin Ferrell will have a shot at showing they could be this year's surprise. Ferrell, known for his run defense, did have a sack in each of the first two games last season before sustaining a knee injury. The key date regarding new additions — several 30-something free-agent pass rushers remain available — is likely a week into training camp. Payne roared throughout the offseason program, and the line has enough overall size to block the sun. Still, it's fair to wonder if this group has enough to help the defensive ranking improve this season. For now, the vibe is wait and see. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. never got to use Jordan Magee last season as desired. 'We really had a package last year for Jordan, and then he got hurt,' Whitt said. 'I'm really hopeful that he can stay healthy.' That sentiment concerns deploying last year's fifth-round pick when offenses use two- and three-tight end looks. Per TruMedia, Washington played with five defensive backs on a league-high 82.7 percent of defensive snaps last season, and foes took advantage of that smaller lineup in the run game. Bobby Wagner's return also means another year for Magee to learn from the future Hall of Famer. 'I believe linebackers control the huddle and control the defense, and (Magee) is learning from Bobby and us how to do that,' Whitt said. Sixth-round rookie Kain Medrano, a hybrid linebacker-safety with exceptional speed, had his moments in on-field workouts. Ben Sinnott wore a non-contact jersey in practices. Not ideal for the rising second-year player whose development is a constant topic among fans. And yet, Sinnott's receiving chops stood out during what Quinn called a 'fantastic offseason.' Advertisement Counting on another 17-game regular season from Zach Ertz seems dubious based on his age (35 in November) and mileage, and Sinnott would be the replacement. That's also the most logical way for the versatile Sinnott to gain significant snaps. Washington's tight end depth could pass for a group of NBA swingmen. That size leads to intrigue, starting with the 6-foot-4 Colson Yankoff, a fantastic athlete and special teams standout who grew as a pass catcher this spring. With Daniels, it's status quo in the best of ways. '(Jayden) was always somebody who was on his details,' Quinn said. 'Now we're seeing the accuracy, the footwork, more of his body mechanics that he wanted to emphasize. I see that coming through in his play. I see the speed that he's out on the edge with. 'Then I would say the individual time with new players. Seeing him put in the work with different people who are new to him and to the organization, I think that speaks of the leadership. It's not anything that I asked him to do, but he knew that for that person and him to be in sync, there had to be some unseen work together.' Hang tight for Josh Johnson versus second-year quarterback Sam Hartman updates, assuming the journeyman isn't already the heavy favorite for third-string duties. (Top photo of Deebo Samuel: Nick Wass / Associated Press)
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Commanders 'Foolish' To Let $100 Million McLaurin Contract Saga Drag On
Commanders 'Foolish' To Let $100 Million McLaurin Contract Saga Drag On originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Washington Commanders and Terry McLaurin appear to be far apart in talks regarding a new contract, with the franchise star, so far, not participating in any of the offseason workouts. Advertisement That is a big red flag for a player who has given the organization everything and now wants to be paid like the top receiver he is. The problem is that it appears Washington isn't too keen on parting ways with what could be a $30 million APY contract. And with there being thoughts that the franchise could trade Terry or that this saga could drag on into the season, CBS Sports has called that an overreaction, but has also given the Commanders a swift kick up the backside regarding how they are handling this situation. "Terry McLaurin is holding out over a contract dispute, as he's entering the final year of his contract," CBS Sports writes. "The Commanders don't seem too concerned about it, but the market has certainly changed since McLaurin's last extension. "Is McLaurin worth $30 million a year after coming off a career-high 13 touchdowns? McLaurin finally has a quarterback who can get him the ball consistently and allow him to put up numbers worthy of what a $30 million wide receiver makes. The Commanders would be foolish to let this holdout drag on. Good chance this holdout ends sooner rather than later." Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Is that $30 million about right? NFL insider Mike Fisher has suggested this might end up being a debate over a three-year, $100 del. Advertisement For most outside of the building? Terry is a player who, when the franchise was on its knees, continued to show up and play to a high level. ... reason enough for a new bump-up contract. So what's the holdup? We aren't entirely sure - though that $100 mil issue is cause for pause - but for a franchise deemed to be on the cusp of a Super Bowl, given how last season panned out and the moves this offseason, having arguably your best offensive weapon not named Jayden Daniels, not on the field, is a head-scratching move. Big contracts take time, but the longer this saga goes on, the more worrisome it becomes for a franchise receiver who deserves to be paid like the star he is. Related: 49ers All-Pro Issues 'Cut It Out' Statement on Commanders' Deebo Samuel Related: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Must Change Mindset This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Commanders Trade Of Terry McLaurin Would Be Major Step Backward
Commanders Trade Of Terry McLaurin Would Be Major Step Backward originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Let's be clear: The contract-dispute solution for a Super Bowl contending team like the Washington Commanders is not to dump one of their best players. Advertisement The solution is to sign him ... and that very much applies to Terry McLaurin. McLaurin has been a holdout as he seeks a contract extension for his desired price. ... which we bet is in excess of $30 million per year. A deal is not immediately forthcoming. What is? Media trade speculation. Bleacher Report is offering up a doozey as they believe the Commanders could entertain a blockbuster trade idea to replace McLaurin with another "star.'' The centerpiece idea? Washington loses its No. 1 receiver ... and gets running back Breece Hall from the New York Jets. And we can't figure out why anyone would hit the "like button'' on that. Advertisement Hall in in the final year of his cheap rookie deal, and when healthy has shown explosiveness. But as they usher in a new era of Jets football, word is he's going to be part of a "committee'' approach at running back. That means he's semi-expendable to them ... Something that isn't the case with McLaurin here. B/R writes, "McLaurin could be particularly valuable to Fields, who has shown himself to be an elite scrambler ..'' That's true - and it's exactly what Washington thinks about the McLaurin/Jayden Daniels pairing. In this fantasy swap, Washington gives a fifth-round pick and gets a second-rounder. ... and they get only a modest upgrade to their existing Brian Robinson Jr.-led running backs room. Advertisement In the end, New York shouldn't do this because they're not in "shoot their shot'' mode as a franchise ... while Washington can't do this because with McLaurin, that's exactly the mode in DC. Related: Dan Quinn Shares While He's Smiling Over Major Goals for Washington Related: ESPN Reveals Shocking Grade of Commanders QB Jayden Daniels This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
