Last season, Terry McLaurin proved his consistency with a career-high 13 TDs while marking a fifth consecutive year with 1,000 yards. However, the 2019 draftee now enters the gridiron as a 29-year-old, where maintaining elite production levels naturally declines. He is potentially asking for a DK Metcalf-like deal, believing it could be his last chance to sweep a large contract. On the other hand, the Washington Commanders want him, especially with Jayden Daniels at the center, but the long-term implications keep them ashore. The disconnect resulted in what seems to be an unending saga. Here is what happened so far:

• No talks of contract extensions sprang up during the offseason. Even if there were any, the progress was extremely slow.
• According to insider Albert Breer, the two sides then had a one-month communication gap.
• As a result, Terry McLaurin held off from going to the minicamp and reportedly paid over $300,000 in fines.
• He finally arrived at the training camp to avoid escalating fines to over $800,000, but he held off.
• To avoid speculations in front of the DMV crowd that has grown to love McLaurin, the team put him on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list for an ankle injury.
• When the contract negotiations still didn’t catch any sparks on his return, McLaurin went ahead with a trade request on July 31.

Washington is not interested in trading him despite the trade request prompting incoming calls. Moving into preseason, a few things are quite clear. Both McLaurin and the Commanders wish to remain together. But the drama has put their relationship in a tight knot. Now, even if he does stay and play some games for the team, there might be irreparable damage already done, and Lynnell Willingham believes that is exactly what’s happening.

In a tweet by 106.7 The Fan, Lynnell Willingham didn’t hold back on Terry McLaurin’s situation. Willingham claimed, “I believe Terry McLaurin has played his final game as a member of the Commanders. I either see him sitting out and playing the petty game and filing grievances against the team, because he’s on PUP. That is what muddies up this entire situation. They put him on PUP.

“Micah Parsons in Dallas right now isn’t practicing. Treyvon Diggs right now in Dallas, isn’t practicing. Are those two on PUP? No. That’s the difference in this situation, in this holding, relative to the other holdings. They put him on PUP. That provides protection for both sides because if the team… You’ve got to cut the roster down to 53 at some point. We all know cut-down day. I gotta make sure exactly what list he goes on.

“But, let’s just say that the team was like ‘Okay Terry, we’ll put you on PUP to protect you so you did not have to answer the questions why you’re not practicing or why you’re holding in.’ And it continues to give you good optics and paint you in a good light. ‘Cause we all know that Terry’s not hurt. Terry was out there practicing all damn off-season. He ain’t hurt. If Terry wants to dig in on the fact that his ankles hurt, then he’s on PUP, then he’s got to pass the physical to get off the PUP list.

“If he refuses to pass the physical, what I would predict would happen is that the team files a grievance against Terry McLaurin and vice versa. If the team tries to force him off the PUP list and says, ‘Hey, he’s actually not hurt,’ Terry can file a grievance to the NFLPA and to the NFL against the team. Is that a messy-a** scenario? Yes.”

Willingham simplifies the case. With McLaurin on the PUP list, he doesn’t have to address his camp absence. But in contrast, reports suggest McLaurin isn’t really hurt. In fact, the PUP designation was strategic, not surgical. The very list meant to safeguard his image might now go against him if the situation becomes too complicated.

Now, the thing is, McLaurin wants to stay in the capital, given his already-proven work and the love he has received from everyone. Not to mention, over the years, the Commanders have slowly worked their way up to enter the title contention talks, especially with Daniels as their QB.

At the same time, Washington has the capabilities to meet McLaurin’s ask, which is assumed to be around $33 million per year. Building around the young QB only makes sense both financially and competitively. But the contract structure and the impact on the salary cap starting in 2026 would be substantial, especially when McLaurin’s age is considered.

However, Breer has already pointed out facts in the WR’s favor. He previously tweeted, “McLaurin’s willingness to do this is a sure sign of his frustration. Tried a holdout. Then a hold-in. Now this. None of it’s easy for a dude who’s been the ultimate program guy. The Commanders, meanwhile, have tried to stay disciplined on valuing players. It’s a tough situation.”

All of this unfolds against a backdrop of continued anxiety and locker room uncertainty. McLaurin’s proven reliability is at risk of becoming just another negotiating chip. But for the Commanders at least, the situation isn’t that grim. Their star QB, Jayden Daniels, is proving his worth against adversaries, even without his trusted target.

Jayden Daniels steps up against the Patriots

While Terry McLaurin’s contract continued to increase tensions, Jayden Daniels’ story emerged with hope. In the joint practice against the Patriots on Wednesday, August 6th, Daniels shone bright. While the Patriots’ defense was notably dominant, Daniels zipped passes, read defenses, and made connections with receivers. The message was clear: Washington might be discovering a new offensive identity in McLaurin’s absence.

Throughout the joint drills, Daniels connected several times with TE Zach Ertz. Daniels even connected with Deebo Samuel for a TD where Samuel took the ball as it bounced off Patriots CB Marcus Jones’ helmet. But Samuel and Ertz weren’t the only targets for Jayden Daniels.

The QB also found undrafted rookie Ja’Corey Brooks for another touchdown. As Ben Volin, a Patriots writer for the Boston Globe, noted on X, “Jayden Daniels is absolutely surgical in 11 on 11. Never misses a read.” The spark Daniels showed not only captivated everyone but also hinted at a franchise ready to move forward.

With Daniels poised for a breakout, even Patriots HC Mike Vrabel has noted his explosiveness. “He makes great decisions. He’s very fast and while he scrambles, and he can run with the football, he rarely takes a big hit, which is impressive for any player but especially a quarterback.”

For now, HC Dan Quinn seems intent on protecting Daniels’ health for the regular season. While he did get a lot of snaps at the joint practice, Daniels will notably be sitting out the August 8 preseason matchup against the Patriots. For now, Daniels has presented a glimpse of what we can expect from him this season, even if he doesn’t have one of his prime receivers with him. Still, the Commanders need to resolve Terry McLaurin’s contract soon to get some much-needed reps between the QB and the WR before the season kicks off.