There’s no denying that the Washington Commanders have had a rough few seasons in the NFL. But with a new name, a new attitude, and a talented roster, the future is looking bright for this team. And one player who stands out amongst the rest is wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
McLaurin, who has quickly become a fan favorite and a cornerstone of the Commanders’ offense, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. And while some teams might wait until the end of the season to discuss an extension, Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine believes that the Commanders should move quickly and offer a lucrative extension to their star receiver.
In his recent article, Ballentine argues that McLaurin is the “most deserving” player on the Commanders’ roster for a big payday. And with the team’s history of struggling with free agency, this could be a crucial move for the Commanders to secure McLaurin’s future with the team.
McLaurin’s talent and impact on the field cannot be understated. In just two seasons, the 25-year-old wideout has already established himself as one of the best young receivers in the league. He has recorded over 2,000 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, and his impressive speed and catching ability make him a constant threat on the field.
But what sets McLaurin apart from other receivers is his work ethic and leadership. Despite being a young player, he has quickly become a key leader for the Commanders both on and off the field. His dedication to his craft and his team is evident, and it’s no surprise that he was voted as a team captain in just his second season.
With McLaurin’s contract set to expire at the end of the 2021 season, the Commanders have a limited amount of time to secure his future with the team. And while some may argue that they still have time to negotiate, Ballentine makes a compelling case for why the team should move fast and offer a contract extension now.
Firstly, the Commanders have the cap space to make a significant offer to McLaurin. After releasing Alex Smith and trading for quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, the team has over $59 million in cap space, leaving plenty of room to make a competitive offer to McLaurin.
Furthermore, as Ballentine points out, McLaurin’s performance on the field has been on par with some of the top receivers in the league. He compares McLaurin’s numbers to those of All-Pro wide receivers such as DeAndre Hopkins and Tyreek Hill, and his stats stack up well against them.
But it’s not just about the numbers with McLaurin. He brings a certain intangible factor to the Commanders’ offense that cannot be replicated. His speed, route-running, and ability to make big plays in crucial moments make him a valuable asset to the team.
And let’s not forget the Commanders’ history with free agency. In the past, the team has struggled to attract top talent due to various factors. But by securing McLaurin’s future with a lucrative extension, the team can send a message to the rest of the league that they are committed to building a winning team and are willing to invest in their players.
Of course, negotiations for a contract extension are rarely easy, and there are always risks involved. But in McLaurin’s case, the benefits far outweigh any potential risks. And with the team’s recent rebranding and renewed energy, securing McLaurin’s future with the Commanders would be a significant step forward for the team.
In conclusion, it’s clear that Terry McLaurin is not only an essential player for the Commanders but also a deserving candidate for a contract extension. His on-field performance, work ethic, and leadership make him a valuable asset to the team for years to come. And the Commanders would be wise to take Bleacher Report’s advice and move fast to offer a lucrative extension to their star receiver. It’s time to show McLaurin and the rest of the league that the Commanders are committed to building a winning team, and it starts with securing their top players.