What’s better than one Giants rival falling apart over nothing? Two trying to outdo one another. Just when you thought the ever-entertaining Jerry Jones mess couldn’t be topped, Terry McLaurin said, ‘Hold my beer.’”
It’s not every day a player out-theaters Jerry, but McLaurin’s giving it his best shot. And it’s great for two reasons. First, you just know Jerry’s fuming that someone’s stealing his media spotlight — which probably means another outburst is on the way. Second, and far more important, this is a mess that hurts the Commanders.
Related: It sure sounds like a Giants rival is walking into a training camp nightmare
Reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the 29-year-old wideout was a no-show for team physicals as players reported for training camp. His absence follows an offseason contract standoff with Washington. McLaurin, soon to be 30, wants a more lucrative extension, but the Commanders haven’t budged. Maybe GM Adam Peters should ring up the Jones and the Cowboys for some negotiating tips — seems to be going real well for them right now.
Another NFC East team hits the self-destruct button at camp
McLaurin thinks he’s underpaid. The Commanders don’t think he’s worth $30 million a year. That’s the stalemate. He’s entering the final year of a deal that now looks outdated, with only $2.8 million guaranteed and an average salary well below the league’s top receivers, despite coming off a Pro Bowl season with 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Peters says the team wants to keep him, but they’re clearly drawing a line. McLaurin just drew his own by skipping the start of camp. It's his final card to play, and it could have serious ramifications.
It’s honestly wild that things have gotten this far. McLaurin loves the organization and has proven, time and again, that he’s a franchise cornerstone. There’s still time for a deal, but every day this drags out, it becomes just another avoidable distraction for a team trying to turn the page.
If this drags on much longer, the Commanders might have to consult Jerry Jones for negotiation tips. Could you imagine how hilarious it'd be for Big Blue Nation if Jones headed up negotiations? He’s already tanking one NFC East locker room — might as well go two-for-two. It would be a shame if this were still unresolved heading into Week 1 when the G-Men head to D.C. to crash the party.
At this rate, Jerry might need to send over a fruit basket for making him look like the less dysfunctional one... or more likely a cease and desist letter for stealing his TV time.