Chants of “Terry! Terry!” echoed through the chilly Ashburn air as fans packed into the Commanders‘ practice facility to get their autographs from their hero. But, to everyone’s disappointment, their wide receiver once again sat out practice. Terry McLaurin will lose about $861,111 in weekly game pay per game missed. Plus, another up to $50,000 per week in roster bonuses, by not being present on the practice field this offseason. But he remains on the PUP list with an ankle issue, even though he was spotted around the facility signing autographs. With the preseason season opener now only weeks away, the stakes have never been higher for Washington’s offense.
Behind the scenes, head coach Dan Quinn and GM Adam Peters have their work cut out for them, working on more than X’s and O’s. After a lackluster preseason game that “burned” them with penalties and gaffes, Quinn has split the roster into Burgundy vs. Gold squads to simulate high-pressure situations and accelerate decision-making down the depth chart.
The truth behind Washington’s contract position with Terry McLaurin is one of a calculated, analytics-based strategy that abstains from honoring past performance for an emphasis on future play. John Keim via ESPN recently laid it all out: “The Commanders and Terry McLaurin remain at an impasse on a contract extension, with age and future projections standing in the way.” As league sources indicate, the Commanders organization will not compensate McLaurin for what he has brought to the franchise in the past. Instead, they’re trying to format any possible agreement on the basis of expected performance at 31, 32, and 33 years of age, an age range when receiver production significantly decreases.
The franchise’s heavy reliance on analytics has shaped its negotiation strategy entirely. The numbers paint a stark picture: over the past five seasons, only three receivers aged 31 or older have played at least 10 games. As a team, they’re averaging over 70 receiving yards per game, while only six others are managing more than 60. Historical precedent supports these worries, as top receivers like Julio Jones experienced a production fall from 96.2 yards per game to 39.5 upon reaching the age of 31, and DeAndre Hopkins fell from 77.9 to 50.5 yards per game.
NFL, American Football Herren, USA NFC Wild Card Round-Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jan 12, 2025 Tampa, Florida, USA Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin 17 celebrates with head coach Dan Quinn after catching a touchdown during the fourth quarter of a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Raymond James Stadium Florida USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKimxKlementxNeitzelx 20250112_jhp_sv7_0308
Terry McLaurin, who turns 30 on September 15 this year, contends his case is different than these examples. He cites his comparatively light career usage. He played hardly at all in his first two years at Ohio State and entered the NFL as a third-round draft pick. His durability record validates this claim. He’s played 73 consecutive games, including postseason games, since 2020 without having undergone major surgery. But the Commanders’ front office, led by Adam Peters, remains unmoved by these objections. Why? By seeing age as the leading consideration in contract talks.
The approach of the roster by the team goes beyond Terry McLaurin’s case. Washington has serious upcoming contract choices, with left tackle Laremy Tunsil and linebacker Frankie Luvu leading the 2026 extension candidates. The franchise has only 44 players under 2026 contracts, i.e., the fewest in the league. Thus, there is a large amount of roster spending ahead. Peters has gone on record saying his aim is not merely to assemble a Super Bowl contender within Jayden Daniels’ rookie deal window. His goal is to build a championship franchise for the long term. Now, Dan Quinn needs to see what he can do next, especially with McLaurin’s absence.
Dan Quinn finds hope in Terry McLaurin’s absence
While tension is generated by the contract negotiations, Dan Quinn has discovered silver linings in Terry McLaurin’s not being involved in practice activities. The head coach admitted to what he called a “silver lining.” Why? According to him, it will be more playing time for other receivers… Especially the emerging chemistry between quarterback Jayden Daniels and recently acquired Deebo Samuel.
ESPN’s John Keim reported that, “Quinn said one unforeseen effect of McLaurin sitting out is that it’s given Deebo Samuel and Jayden Daniels more time to find each other.” This outlook indicates Quinn’s willingness to find the good in bad situations. But it also indicates the organization isn’t stressing about Terry McLaurin’s holdout. The chemistry between Samuel and Daniels has been apparent from day one of training camp, as the quarterback completed the receiver on a pristine over-the-shoulder scoring strike during 11-on-11.
Quinn’s Burgundy vs. Gold scrimmage idea has more than just breaking training camp doldrums attached to it. The intrasquad game enables him to assess depth players and replicate game-like situations with various play-callers and situational football. Most significantly for the Terry McLaurin case, it shows Daniels with extended time to develop timing with secondary receiving targets. According to one source, this creates “a contingency rhythm.” It may be beneficial if contract talks drag into the regular season.
The larger context of Quinn’s words indicates an organization gearing up for more than one outcome. While publicly insisting that they wish Terry McLaurin to stay with the team, the “silver lining” school of thought is that they’re at the same time creating contingency measures. This is in line with the franchise’s analytical approach, anticipating different results while holding negotiating power. The development of the Daniels-Samuel relationship not only offers cover. It also proves to McLaurin that the team can operate in his absence. This can possibly strengthen Washington’s bargaining position in contract negotiations.
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