NFL Rumors: Terry McLaurin's Contract Talks with Commanders 'Haven't Really Started'

The next standoff between an NFL team and a high-profile wide receiver could be in the nation's capital.

The MMQB's Albert Breer reported that a new contract for Washington Commanders star Terry McLaurin hasn't really started.

The last year of his contract will be his last year as a free agent.

A big paycheck is coming the way of the 26 year old. He has caught 222 passes for 3,090 yards and 16 touchdown in three seasons.

There have been at least eight different quarterbacks that have started at least one game for Washington.

It is unlikely that McLaurin will overtake Hill as the highest-paid receiver in the league, but $20-plus million annually is a reasonable estimate. The current market would be reflected by the four-year, $100 million extension with the Philadelphia Eagles that A.J. Brown signed.

It is surprising that the Commanders haven't entered into serious negotiations with his representatives because of how valuable he is to the offense. If he becomes clear that his price is too rich for the front office, this is the last chance for Washington to use him as a major trade asset.

How the franchise handled contract discussions with KirkCousins could be a good guide to what to expect with McLaurin. The team never presented a long-term contract worth signing, so he played on the franchise tag for two years and left when the first opportunity to get a multiyear offer presented itself from another team.

The Commanders might be content to head into the 2022 season without any long-term agreement with McLaurin on the basis that they can tag him in 2023 and go from there.