Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin is skipping voluntary ofseason workouts while seeking a contract extension. Following practice Tuesday, Commanders head coach Ron Rivera was asked about the status of contract talks with McLaurin.
Rivera didn’t get into specifics. But he provided somewhat of an update.
“Just that we’ve had communication with him, are working with him. Just a matter of time,” Rivera said per the Washington Post’s Nicki Jhabvala.
Rivera is publicly optimistic. However, according to a previous report by Jhabvala, McLaurin and the Commanders “remain far apart” in contract talks.
Terry McLaurin is entering his fourth year in the NFL as part of the 2019 NFL Draft class. He’s also entering his final year under his rookie contract. He’s set to make $2.79 million this upcoming season.
The blossoming market for wide receivers has changed the mindset of many top-level wideouts. That includes McLaurin. After seeing Davante Adams, Tyreek Hill, Christian Kirk and fellow 2019 draftee AJ Brown all receive mega new deals, McLaurin wants his just due.
It’s understandable. Despite having eight different quarterbacks during his time in Washington, McLaurin has compiled 3,090 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns on 222 catches. He’s also a team captain and well-respected within the locker room.
Both sides say they’re hoping to work out a new deal. There is reason to believe Rivera despite the standoff. Last July, the team extended defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, another team captain to a mega deal just ahead of training camp. Allen skipped a week of OTAs after contract negotiations hit a snag.
McLaurin’s market value is $21 million per year, according to Spotrac. With Brown receiving a four-year, $100 million extension after being traded during the draft to the Philadelphia Eagles, McLaurin’s price tag might be a bit higher than projections.
