The Washington Commanders are feeling the effects of the surging wide receiver market.
Like his fellow 2019 draftees A.J. Brown and Deebo Samuel, Terry McLaurin is skipping the team’s on-field portion of the offseason workout program as part of a contract holdout.
The 2022 season will be McLaurin’s final year under his rookie contract, earning him a base salary of $2,790,000.
However, he has surpassed that amount after finishing with 77 receptions, 1,053 yards, and five touchdowns last season.
The former Ohio State standout isn’t eligible for a fifth-year option because he was drafted in the third round.
McLaurin is betting on himself after an impressive 2021 campaign.
Likewise, he has Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams to thank for giving him the leverage during contract negotiations.
Their annual average values of $30 million and $28 million raised the ceiling for wideout salaries.
In effect, the cellar for primary wide receivers also increased, and that’s where McLaurin would like to cash in.
But ESPN NFL Nation reporter John Keim revealed Washington’s timetable for contract negotiations.
Another reminder on Terry McLaurin: Ron Rivera told me recently they did not start seriously negotiating with Jon Allen until after OTAs. Presser was on July 27. Have always expected a similar time frame. Yes, the $$ has gotten silly at WR. He will be shown the cash.
— John Keim (@john_keim) April 18, 2022
Keim tweeted, “Another reminder on Terry McLaurin: Ron Rivera told me recently they did not start seriously negotiating with Jon Allen until after OTAs. Presser was on July 27. Have always expected a similar time frame. Yes, the $ has gotten silly at WR. He will be shown the cash.”
A Contract Extension For McLaurin Will Happen
Keim also added in a subsequent tweet, “McLaurin is a face of the franchise. They include him in promotional materials. I think it’s telling that he’ll still attend these workouts, even if he won’t anything when they eventually have on-field sessions. Understands his role here as a leader.”
Therefore, there should be no drama regarding McLaurin’s whereabouts for the 2023 season and beyond.
Even Keim sensed that there was no reason to panic because Washington will get a deal done.
NEXT: NFL Insider Updates Terry McLaurin's Status Amid Contract Saga