Sources: McLaurin to skip minicamp over deal

ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin will not report back to the necessary three-day minicamp this week as discussions on a contract extension proceed, a number of sources confirmed to ESPN.

McLaurin attended exercises earlier within the spring, however skipped the voluntary OTA periods that befell over the previous three weeks. McLaurin’s rookie contract expires after the season. He is in search of a brand new deal in step with what different prime receivers have obtained this offseason.

After buying and selling for A.J. Brown on the primary night time of the 2022 draft, the Philadelphia Eagles signed Brown to a four-year extension value $25 million per season. The Tennessee Titans had drafted Brown one spherical forward of McLaurin within the 2019 draft. McLaurin’s base wage is $2.79 million this season.

Different extensive receivers picked within the 2019 draft, corresponding to DK Metcalf and Deebo Samuel, are also in search of contract extensions however took completely different approaches with their groups’ minicamps final week. Metcalf skipped the Seattle Seahawks’ necessary minicamp final week whereas Samuel, who requested a commerce earlier this offseason, attended the San Francisco 49ers’ minicamp.

Washington had hoped McLaurin would attend given his position as a staff chief, even when he wasn’t going to work out. The Commanders additionally need him to develop a relationship with new quarterback Carson Wentz, whom he has not but labored out with on the sector.

A participant who misses all three days of minicamp will likely be fined a complete of $93,085.

McLaurin, 26, loved one other productive season in 2021 regardless of Washington’s inconsistency at quarterback. He completed with 1,053 yards — his second straight 1,000-yard season — and 5 touchdowns on 77 receptions.

Washington has maintained optimism all alongside in its capability to retain McLaurin. Final 12 months, the staff signed defensive sort out Jonathan Allen to an extension and introduced it proper earlier than coaching camp opened in late July. Washington has pointed to an identical timetable with McLaurin, although the receiver market went in a path this offseason that few anticipated.

Like Allen, McLaurin is a key face of the franchise. He was prominently featured in promotional materials for the season and after they modified their title to the Commanders. One supply stated final week that McLaurin has maintained contact with staff officers about what he desires.

To assist McLaurin — and the offense — Washington drafted receiver Jahan Dotson within the first spherical. The Commanders even have Curtis Samuel, who’s coming off season-long delicate tissue accidents in 2021, tight finish Logan Thomas, who’s coming off a torn ACL, and operating again J.D. McKissic amongst others to assist the passing recreation.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter contributed to this report.