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Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin has the attention of other NFL teams.
According to The Athletic, teams are monitoring his contract status in Washington “in case an opening to acquire McLaurin emerges.”
The 26-year-old and the Commanders are reportedly expecting to amp up extension talks sometime around the NFL Draft, which takes place from April 28-30. According to the report, both sides anticipate a June or July resolution.
During last week’s NFL owners’ meetings, Washington head coach Ron Rivera said the Commanders “wouldn’t entertain” calls about McLaurin.
“I think the biggest thing is just [telling] everybody patience,” Rivera said. “We’ve got plenty of time. We’re mapping things out as an organization. We’re prepared for all that stuff.”
McLaurin is entering the final year of his four-year rookie deal that includes a $2.79 million salary in 2022, with a $3.04 million cap hit. But he could demand a lot more money being a first-option wide receiver in a current market that has wideouts landing mega deals.
The Ohio State product is coming off his second consecutive 1,000-yard season — and has remained productive since arriving in Washington in 2019, while playing with eight different starting quarterbacks.
If McLaurin and the Commanders fail to reach a contract extension, the team could franchise tag him for the 2023 season — which would result in Washington paying the receiver $20.16 million.
McLaurin left his future open-ended in January, telling The Athletic, “We just have to see what the future holds. I’m proud of the way I conducted myself and looking forward to seeing what’s next.”
Although McLaurin is no Davante Adams or Tyreek Hill when it comes to the receiver pool, the Packers and Chiefs could use his talents. The Falcons are also in need of receivers, following Calvin Ridley’s full-season gambling suspension in 2022, and Russell Gage’s exit to Tampa Bay last month.
McLaurin has recorded 222 receptions, 3,090 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns in his three seasons in Washington.
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