Commanders' McLaurin misses start of OTAs amid contract talks
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin and the Washington Commanders remain at odds over a contract extension.
On Monday, McLaurin was absent from the club's first day of OTAs, sources told the Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala. It's unclear if the star wideout will consider skipping the team's mandatory minicamp next month if a deal isn't reached.
McLaurin was attending the Commanders' voluntary offseason workouts in April but stopped shortly after the NFL draft due to negotiations, Jhabvala reports. He also declined to take part in on-field drills until his contract issue is resolved.
The 2019 third-round selection is set to enter the final year of his rookie contract with Washington next season. His base salary is set at $2.7 million in 2022.
"We're really excited about the opportunity to have Terry continue with us for a long time," general manager Martin Mayhew said last month.
Head coach Ron Rivera said Tuesday it's "just a matter of time" before an agreement is reached, per Jhabvala.
The Commanders could opt to let McLaurin play out the season and place the franchise tag on him next offseason. It's a move that would cost the franchise over $20 million based on projections for 2023, according to Jhabvala.
The Ohio State product has led the Commanders in receiving since turning pro. McLaurin enjoyed a breakout campaign as a rookie after hauling in 58 receptions for 919 yards and seven touchdowns. He posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons (2020, 2021), including 77 receptions and five scores a year ago.
Washington is aiming to keep McLaurin as one of the key pieces of its offense that features quarterback Carson Wentz, running back Antonio Gibson, and 2022 first-round pick Jahan Dotson.
McLaurin is on a short list of star receivers looking to land lucrative extensions this offseason. Deebo Samuel and D.K. Metcalf are other notables.
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