A Positive Shift Eases the Terry McLaurin Contract Cloud

This isn’t how many envisioned seeing the Washington Commanders’ offseason unfold. A sudden shift in culture and a season to remember was supposed to catapult this organization towards the process of dethroning the Philadelphia Eagles.

Nothing galvanizes a team on the cusp like seeing a division rival hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Philly’s last loss? That came at the hand of the Jayden Daniels and company.

The Eagles found revenge in January’s NFC Championship Game. Here we are. These proud franchises are expected to head a two-team race for NFC East superiority.

Commanders fans are finally given a break from Terry McLaurin’s contract drama

Every offseason the NFL releases its Top 100 Players ranking. It’s a list comprised of players’ votes only.

McLaurin is again on the list, as he should be. He lands 52nd overall. It’s a nice distraction seeing as how he has been mentioned most often as of late for his standoff with the organization.

It’s probably a safe assumption that you’ve heard about Washington’s dilemma involving his extension. Unfortunately, other than his return to training camp practice after missing a few sessions, there is nothing positive to report.

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Negotiations haven’t led to much. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn states his dilemma hasn’t been provided a distraction to his teammates. That’s hard to believe. How could it not be?

Wouldn’t seeing so many comment on this suggest the opposite is true? Then, there’s the other angle. It’s a question worth asking. What type of message does this send to the rest of the locker room?

How confident might other veterans and young stars be in believing they’ll be taken care of when their number comes up? You have to admit it hurts to see the longtime Commander this disgruntled.

If there is anyone worth Washington’s loyalty, it’s this guy. If a possible trip to Super Bowl 60 is in the cards next February, McLaurin must be on this team’s roster.

McLaurin has long proven his loyalty. He hung around when he could have accepted opportunities to play elsewhere or leave for money, so with there being a need for positivity, we’ll take our ‘wins’ where we can. His inclusion on the top 100 players ranking certainly provides one.

It’s a nice reminder of the esteem his peers and teammates have for him. Now, comes the question. Might we see a similar show of respect from the only organization he has known since entering the league in 2019.

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