The NFL offseason for 2022 has seen receivers making mega deals that were once unheard of for them.
However, there are still a few receivers that have yet to get new contracts for more money.
The Washington Commanders’ Terry McLaurin is one of those receivers waiting for his payday.
McLaurin is playing hardball with his team by missing mini-camps during these contract talks.
Whether his tactics will work has yet to be seen.
However, the Commanders don’t want to trade him.
So this means a deal should be reached at some point.
But what is their young receiver truly worth?
McLaurin Did Well With The Commanders Carousel Of Quarterbacks
Consistency at quarterback is something Washington hasn’t given their team over the years.
Without a constant quarterback, the Commanders receivers have suffered.
However, McLaurin is the exception with the team.
He showed he can succeed regardless of who their quarterback is.
He’s posted consecutive 1,000+ yard seasons since becoming the Commanders’ top receiver.
So Christian Kirk is getting $17M per season. Last yr was his best season ever with 982 yards and 77 catches. Terry McLaurin has back to back 1,000 yard seasons. pic.twitter.com/q9iUMyK7lh
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) March 14, 2022
This means he is a reliable receiver for Washington.
However, how does he compare to other receivers who got big paydays this year?
Examining this can give us a better picture of the true worth of the Commanders’ young talent.
McLaurin Had A Better 2021 Season Than A.J. Brown
To get a better look at McLaurin and his talents, we need to look at A.J. Brown.
Both receivers were drafted in 2019 and performed well for their teams.
However, Brown showed regression in 2021 but still got a four-year, $100 million contract extension.
After having two years of slightly above 1,000+ yard seasons, Brown failed to post over 900 yards in 2021.
While he had regression, McLaurin still found success without a consistent quarterback.
With Brown having consistency, but regressing with receiving yards, there’s no reason McLaurin shouldn’t get a contract extension.
Also, this will be potentially McLaurin’s first year with a consistent quarterback in Carson Wentz.
CATCHING UP WITH COACH: Commanders team insider @JPFinlayNBCS goes 1-on-1 with Ron Rivera at the NFL Owners Meetings.
Hear from Rivera on "unfinished business," and why he says adding Carson Wentz gives the Commanders a chance to be a playoff team.@nbcwashington #TakeCommand pic.twitter.com/yuLLmJfYoo
— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) March 29, 2022
With a consistent quarterback, he could improve his numbers from over the past three seasons.
However, the Commanders might be worried about his health with contract talks.
He Has Suffered Several Injuries With Washington
A player can’t help their team if they are injured.
This is the problem that the young Commanders receiver has suffered in his career.
His multiple concussions and ankle sprains might be the reason Washington isn’t opening the checkbook for him.
They might want guarantees they can recover money if he misses too many games because of injuries.
Without those protections in place for the team, they might refuse to give him more money.
However, he’s proven he’s still a skillful player even after coming off several injuries in his career.
But the team might not care about this, which would be a downfall for them.
They need to come to an agreement with him that both sides can benefit from.
Forcing him to surrender any bonus money because of injury shouldn’t be a part of the contract.
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