Training camps start next week for many NFL teams, and one of the most interesting storylines centers around Washington Commanders star Terry McLaurin.
The veteran wide receiver is entering the final season of a three-year deal he signed in 2022, but he wants a new contract now. McLaurin addressed the contract dispute when speaking to reporters earlier this week, and he didn’t sound pleased.
“Yeah, I’ve been pretty frustrated, I’m not going to lie,” McLaurin said. “Everything that has transpired up to this point has been disappointing and frustrating. I want to continue my career here. I’ve created my life here. My wife and I have bought our first home here, so this has been somewhere where I’ve always wanted to be.”
“Just to see how things have played out has been disappointing. I obviously understand everything is a business, but at the same time, I want to put myself in a position where I’m valued and I feel appreciated.”
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So, how does the McLaurin situation ultimately play out? The New England Patriots still need a No. 1 wide receiver. Should they call the Commanders and ask about McLaurin? Would the Commanders actually consider a trade at some point?
NBC4 Sports Washington’s J.P. Finlay joined Phil Perry on NBC Sports Boston’s Next Pats Podcast to give his take on McLaurin’s future.
“To me, if Terry McLaurin became available, a lot of NFL teams would be interested. I don’t think he’s becoming available, honestly,” Finlay said. “I think they get this done. I think there’s still plenty of time. (Commanders tight end) Zach Ertz said the other day, I think on Kay Adams’ (show), that it’s the middle of July and we don’t play until early September.
“I think there are a few different factors. One, Terry McLaurin means so much to this organization and the Washington fan base that I don’t think ownership — which has really regained the trust of fans down here after 25 years of misery — I just don’t see them not getting to the finish line.
“I think (Commanders GM Adam Peters) wants to run his ship right, and if you look at how San Francisco did their negotiations, a lot of time they’re contentious right up until the end, and it’s amazing how an eight-figure check can change people’s feelings, right?”
The Commanders are Super Bowl contenders if franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels is healthy. They had a really good offense last season, and that unit could be even better in 2025 after the offseason additions of star wideout Deebo Samuel and veteran left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
Trading McLaurin would significantly weaken Washington’s offense at a time when the franchise is in win-now mode. So from an on-field perspective, it doesn’t make any sense for them to move him.
The Commanders don’t have any other wide receiver who can replicate the total package of skills he brings to the field each game.
“If you look at the Commanders’ offense, which was really good, really explosive last year, you add Deebo Samuel, you add Laremy Tunsil — clearly they’re in it to compete right now,” Finlay said. “If you remove Terry McLaurin from that offense — Deebo is a unique puzzle piece. He’s an excellent player, but he’s not a route runner, you know what I mean? He’s not like a pure receiver.
“You take Terry off that offense and your top pure receiver becomes Noah Brown, and then you’re talking about Luke McCaffrey, a guy they drafted last year and like, but he didn’t have much production as a rookie. They drafted another kid this year in the fourth round, Jaylin Lane, and there’s real excitement about him, but he projects as a punt returner, slot receiver guy.
“If you take Terry off this offense, I do think Kliff Kingsbury and Jayden Daniels can manufacture some offense, but you lose verticality in your offense, and I can’t imagine they want to do that.”
Also in this episode:
- Phil shares his thoughts on the contract dispute between Terry McLaurin and the Commanders and what it could mean for the Patriots
- Phil previews Patriots training camp by sharing his five breakout candidates, and five position battles to watch
- Phil opens up the mailbag to answer your questions
