Adam Schefter reveals main drawback with Terry McLaurin contract as Commanders WR eyes Ja’Marr Chase-like $30M deal

ESPN insider Adam Schefter believes Terry McLaurin’s stalled contract talks with Washington have hit a cussed impediment.

Talking on The Pat McAfee Present on Monday, Schefter defined the elemental sticking level that has saved negotiations from advancing.

“There isn’t any replace, which is the replace. And that is the issue,” Schefter stated.

“The issue is with this specific state of affairs. I believe Terry McLaurin goes to argue that we have seen different extensive receivers who his numbers are corresponding to, like Jamar Chase and Tee Higgins and DK Metcalf receives a commission over $30 million a yr this off season, and I believe the commanders then can say sure, however Mike Evans, who additionally has had comparable numbers, is that $24 million so there actually is kind of a distinction in a spot between what each side would need,” he added.

Whereas the idea of massive paydays for elite receivers isn’t new, the ceiling has moved sharply larger. A number of latest contracts have redefined the market, making it more difficult for groups to barter mid-tier or “bridge” offers.

Contract comparisons complicate Washington’s negotiation technique with Terry McLaurin

For Terry McLaurin, this contract dynamic is central. He’s coming off a season that reestablished him as one of many league’s most dependable producers. In 2024, he logged 82 catches for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns.

These numbers secured him a second Professional Bowl nod and second-team All-Professional honors, achievements that give his negotiators robust leverage.

Nevertheless, skeptics query whether or not that efficiency is sustainable. Dan Fornek of Professional Soccer Community famous in his offseason analysis that banking on Terry McLaurin to duplicate a dramatic soar in landing manufacturing might be dangerous, highlighting his age as an element.

“Betting on gamers to repeat a big soar in landing manufacturing is a harmful recreation, particularly when they’re getting into their age-30 season,” Fornek wrote for Professional Soccer Community.

The Commanders, in the meantime, are weighing McLaurin’s sturdiness and constant 1,000-yard manufacturing in opposition to the chance of committing top-tier cash by way of his early 30s.

Regardless of lacking solely three video games in six seasons, the franchise has to reconcile whether or not to fit his compensation alongside the likes of Chase and Metcalf or preserve it nearer to Mike Evans’ vary.

The negotiation stalemate has already prompted Terry McLaurin to skip obligatory minicamp, a tactic he used throughout his final extension discussions. Whereas no agency deadlines loom but, the workforce would favor to keep away from a state of affairs the place an settlement comes collectively solely days earlier than Week 1. That is what occurred final yr with different high-profile holdouts across the league.

Studies from a number of retailers, together with CBS Sports activities, point out that McLaurin’s facet might goal a deal averaging round $30 million per season. This might place him among the many NFL’s highest-paid receivers. That projection aligns with the latest three-year, $90 million contracts signed by a number of elite pass-catchers.