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By Kevin McCormick
Contributing Sports Writer
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As training camp slowly winds down, the Washington Commanders still have a major piece of business to attend to ahead of the 2025 campaign. That being ongoing negotiations with Terry McLaurin.
While talks between the two sides remain ongoing, one insider noted a key factor that could be holding things up.
After being away at the start of camp, McLaurin has since returned to the Commanders. However, the situation is far from rectified. He is still adamant about getting a long-term commitment from Washington that is competitive with the current receiver market.
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Last week, McLaurin turned the heat up even more by asking the Commanders for a trade.
Also read: Commanders Coach Breaks Silence on Terry McLaurin's Trade Request
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Insider cites DK Metcalf as 'sticking point' in Terry McLaurin trade talks
While recently appearing on NFL Live, ESPN's John Keim touched on the ongoing talks between McLaurin and the Commanders. Among the key elements he noted as a roadblock in discussions is the contract DK Metcalf recently received from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"The third thing is DK Metcalf's deal," Keim said. "That's the sticking point for McLaurin. Metcalf received a 32-and-a-half million dollar per year from the Steelers. McLaurin and Metcalf, same draft class, similar production. The Commanders would counter saying that Metcalf is two years younger."
From Washington's side of things, Keim noted that age is the main thing holding them back from giving McLaurin a lucrative offer.
"There's precedent," he continued. "The Commanders don't want to pay what they would view as an above-market deal for an older receiver."
Also read: Commanders WR Sends Positive Message to Disgruntled Teammate
Although his 30th birthday is soon approaching, McLaurin has proven he is still among the NFL's most consistent receivers. He racked up his fifth straight season of 1,000 yards or more last year and caught a career-high 13 touchdowns from Jayden Daniels.
Seeing how well those two clicked, Washington should be willing to pay McLaurin. Especially now, while they have some flexibility with Daniels on his rookie deal.
McLaurin might have stepped forward and requested a trade, but it had a minimal effect. The Commanders, as they've stated from the beginning of this saga, have no plans on moving him. They view him as a key piece to the roster and want to keep him in Washington for the foreseeable future.
Between his current ankle injury and ongoing contract talks, it remains unknown when McLaurin will fully rejoin his teammates.
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