Ex-NFL QB Delivered Strong Message to Commanders Amid Drama
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The start of NFL training camp is around the corner, and the Washington Commanders still have a major question mark on the availability of Terry McLaurin.
What's the holdup? Nobody can take a guess, but it's gotten to the point where former players are speaking out on the situation, demanding that the Commanders give the veteran wideout his money.
The former Washington quarterback Joe Theismann is the latest to sound off on the situation.
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"That would be a major problem for all of us that appreciate what the Commanders have done, what Terry has done," Theismann said on 'Up & Adams' this week, regarding the thought of McLaurin reaching a point of no return with the Commanders.
"His intangibles and his value to this football team are even more outweighed than his talent, which we know is extreme. He needs to be paid. He needs to be paid right away. We need to put this issue behind us as a football team. He is one of the leaders, and he's a guy that you can always count on."
Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders carries the ball for a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys at Northwest Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Landover, Maryland.
Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders carries the ball for a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys at Northwest Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Landover, Maryland.It wasn't long ago when former Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson spoke on the McLaurin situation and praised the veteran wideout for being one of the most consistent players at the position since landing in the NFL.
"Pay the man because the man has been nothing but consistent," Johnson stated. "I don't know Terry very well, but from afar, the guy has been nothing but consistent for that organization. He's been a staple there in Washington for his whole career. He plays well. He steps up in big games, and I love watching the kid because he's always making plays."
After his run at Ohio State, McLaurin entered the NFL Draft in 2019. He was drafted by Washington in the third round, with the 76th overall pick. From the jump, McLaurin was a handful for secondaries. He produced over 900 yards with seven touchdowns during his rookie season.
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Since then, McLaurin has had five-straight 1,000-yard seasons. During that stretch, he dealt with an organization that was turning over owners and quarterbacks who were cycling in and out. Last season, he landed some stability with the star quarterback Jayden Daniels getting under center.
The result? McLaurin caught 82 passes for 1,096 yards and scored a career-high 13 touchdowns. He was a Pro Bowler for the second time in his career and earned All-Pro for the first time.
With one season left on his current deal, McLaurin is ready to lock in long-term again. With the Commanders unwilling to do so before mandatory minicamp, McLaurin steered clear of participating. The Commanders still have time to get something done, but the former Super Bowl champion Joe Theismann wants to see his former team make it happen before it's too late.
For more Washington Commanders and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports
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