Terry McLaurin and the Washington Commanders are officially at a standstill as training camp gets underway — and the team’s top receiver is nowhere to be found.
The former Ohio State standout has reported to Washington’s training camp but remains on the sidelines, not participating in any team activities as his contract holdout continues. The Commanders and their star receiver are still far from a deal.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Monday and offered an honest update on the situation, describing the gap between the two sides as “vast.”
“It’s been vast,” Schefter said. “And so it’s up to the two sides to figure out a way to bridge their differences.”
McLaurin has been one of the most reliable receivers in the NFL since entering the league — but he’s looking for a contract that reflects that. At this point, he’s not just trying to get paid; he’s looking to reset the market or at least reach the level of his peers.
“DK Metcalf was in the same draft class as Terry McLaurin, and he got $33 million a year,” Schefter said. “I wouldn’t think that Terry is willing to take less than that. And I think he wants considerably more.”
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
And that’s the issue. Washington values McLaurin, but clearly not at the number he’s asking for — at least not yet.
“They love and value Terry McLaurin,” Schefter added, “but they love and value him at a different price.”
So far, that price gap hasn’t narrowed and with both sides dug in, the situation doesn’t sound like it’s remotely close to being resolved.
“These two sides seem apart on a deal,” Schefter said. “Like, they don’t seem close today. And I don’t know how they’re going to get that done and resolved and figured out.”
Still, Schefter left the door open for progress eventually.
“These things usually find a way of figuring themselves out over time,” he said. “As of today, though, I don’t get the sense that anything is close.”
McLaurin’s decision to hold out makes sense. He’s coming off a career year and, at 30, is likely eyeing his last chance at a major payday.
Last season, he caught 82 passes for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns — second-most in the league. He also averaged 13.4 yards per reception and recorded five 100-yard games, proving again that he’s a top-tier weapon.
But for now, that weapon remains on the sideline. Unless Washington is willing to move closer to his asking price, that’s exactly where McLaurin will stay.