Ex-NFL Star Sends Message to Commanders for Terry McLaurin
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Terry McLaurin's contract concerns have yet to be resolved. While the Washington Commanders still have some time to avoid seeing their key wide receiver act as a holdout for training camp, the process will only get more difficult as time goes on.
Former Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson doesn't know the situation too well, but he knows one thing is for sure: McLaurin is worth a big payday, and he wants to see the Commanders pay accordingly.
"I'm assuming it's got something to do with the pay, so pay the man because the man has been nothing but consistent," Johnson said on the 'Up & Adams' show this week.
"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."
If Megatron talks, the Commanders should probably listen.
The former second-overall pick out of Georgia Tech has been recognized as one of the greatest receivers of his generation. When he entered the NFL in 2007, Johnson was already teasing a 1,000-yard campaign. He got it by year two, and notched over 1,000 yards in six of the seven seasons that followed.
In 2012, Johnson broke an NFL record by catching 122 passes for 1,964 yards in 16 games. While Johnson went out on his own terms, he finished his career on a bit of a high note, producing 1,214 yards and nine touchdowns in 16 games during his final year.
The latest NFL DFS promo codes gives first-time players up to $2,850 for NFL Week 10 picks. One game to target is WR Terry McLaurin and the Commanders hosting the Steelers.
The latest NFL DFS promo codes gives first-time players up to $2,850 for NFL Week 10 picks. One game to target is WR Terry McLaurin and the Commanders hosting the Steelers.At the end of his career, Johnson had racked up 11,619 yards and 83 touchdowns. Being one of the NFL's most dominant pass-catchers of his time, Johnson knows what to look for in a star wideout. It seems he's supportive of the idea that McLaurin should get paid big by Washington.
Johnson points to McLaurin's consistency. Since entering the NFL in 2019, McLaurin has notched over 1,000 yards in all but one season. During his rookie year, McLaurin caught 58 passes for 919 yards and seven touchdowns.
By 2022, McLaurin made the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career. Last season, McLaurin notched his second Pro Bowl nod and was named second-team All-Pro. It felt fitting for the former Ohio State star to want to lock up a long-term deal as he enters the final year of his current contract.
Since the Commanders haven't been able to put an agreeable contract on the table, McLaurin has skipped the team's mandatory minicamp this week. So far, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn and the second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels seem content with the situation.
We'll see how long it drags out before the Commanders get something done, or feel forced to take the situation in a different direction.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
26 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Falcons Linked to Potential Aggressive Move for 2-Time Pro Bowler
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Entering the 2025 NFL season, the NFC South division is wide open. While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are considered by many to be the favorite, the Atlanta Falcons are going to be a team worth watching as well. Last season, the Falcons finished the year with an 8-9 record and narrowly missed the playoffs. They had been in contention all year long, but simply couldn't get into the postseason. A new era of football is set to begin this season in Atlanta. Michael Penix Jr., the team's second-year quarterback, will be the starter and will look to take the Falcons back to contention. Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris looks on from the field after an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris looks on from the field after an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo byWhile the roster looks solid, some questions need to be answered. One potential need could come at the cornerback position. Read more: Broncos Urged to Pursue Blockbuster Trade To Support Bo Nix With that in mind, Atlanta has been connected as a possible suitor for a two-time Pro Bowl free agent. Arkesh Ray of Atlanta Falcons on SI has suggested that the team could consider signing former Green Bay Packers star cornerback Jaire Alexander, who was recently released by the Packers. "With major injury concerns and an inability to stay on the field as of late, Alexander would not be able to demand a huge contract. If the Falcons are able to bring him on a cheap deal, they should consider it, providing competition and depth at outside corner," Ray wrote. "With Alexander's injury history and matador tackling, Alexander could still fit a coverage role that should be even more valuable with an upgraded pass rush." Adding a piece like Alexander could be the fix that the Falcons' defense needs. If he can return to full health and stay healthy, he's still more than capable of being one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. Last season with Green Bay, Alexander showed off what he's capable of in the seven games he did play. He recorded 16 total tackles, one fumble recovery, two interceptions, a defensive touchdown, and seven defended passes. Read more: Browns Fans in Tears After Nick Chubb's Heartfelt Message He would immediately take over as the No. 1 cornerback in Atlanta. That's where he would stay as long as he's healthy enough to play. While the concerns about his health could scare teams off, the Falcons would be taking on little to no risk. On a one-year contract, Atlanta could simply move on if things didn't work out after the 2025 season. They may not have an interest in Alexander, but the Falcons are a team to keep an eye on. For more Atlanta Falcons and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
30 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Seahawks considering adding a veteran cornerback. Jaire Alexander is available. Hmmm...
A two-time Pro Bowl cornerback just became available. Are the Seahawks good with their depth at cornerback? Are they interested in pursuing, say, Jaire Alexander, that two-time Pro Bowl corner the Green Bay Packers released this week because of a contract impasse? Seattle coach Mike Macdonald didn't exactly say yes to the first question or no to the second. Macdonald was asked this week how he feels about the Seahawks' depth at cornerback. 'Great,' the coach and defensive guru said following the team's final practice of minicamp and the veterans' offseason ended Wednesday. 'Again, these are great battles going into the offseason.' Without being asked specifically about Alexander, who Macdonald and Seahawks general manager (and Green Bay-area native) John Schneider know is now an unsigned free agent, Macdonald also said this about cornerback: 'Now, I mean, are we not going to look to always improve our team in any aspect? No. 'We're always going to be out there and try to be in everything and chasing edges on making us better.' The Seahawks have already hosted free-agent cornerbacks Rasul Douglas and Shaquill Griffin this offseason. Seattle and former coach Pete Carroll drafted Griffin in the third round in 2017. He played his first four seasons with the Seahawks. Now 29, Griffin was a reserve cornerback last season with Minnesota. He reportedly visited Carroll and the Las Vegas Raiders this week. The Packers released Alexander Monday, after he refused their offer of an amended contract. Multiple reports said he didn't want to take a restructured deal with a pay cut and more incentive bonuses. His father came out online and said the Packers wanted Alexander to play in 2025 with almost no guaranteed money. 'He wasn't willing to play for damn near free is a better quote,' Earl Landis Alexander posted on Twitter/X Friday. There's rarely anything that happens around the Packers that Schneider isn't in tune with. The Seahawks' 54-year-old GM was born and raised in De Pere, Wisconsin, five miles from Green Bay's Lambeau Field. His first NFL job was as a Packers scout for then-Green Bay GM Ron Wolf in 1993. He knows Brian Gutekunst, the Packers' current general manager. Schneider is assuredly up to date on Alexander's situation and why Green Bay let him go. Schneider's constant mantra about available free agents is he's always competing and seeking to improve the Seahawks, all year. That includes these six weeks between the end of offseason practices and the start of Seattle's training camp July 23. In OTAs and minicamp, the Seahawks had Pro Bowl cornerback Devon Witherspoon at right cornerback and Riq Woolen, a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie in 2022, at left cornerback. When Macdonald deployed his nickel defense in offseason practices, Witherspoon went inside as the slot corner and Josh Jobe was the right cornerback. The Seahawks signed Jobe to their practice squad late last August, two days after the Philadelphia Eagles released him. Seattle elevated him to the roster for games multiple times before the Seahawks signed him to their active roster in November. He played 65% of the Seahawks' defensive snaps last season. That showed how much they were in nickel with Witherspoon inside. The third, fourth and fifth cornerbacks are competitions heading into training camp. Veteran free-agent signee Shemar Jean-Charles, 2024 fifth-round pick Nehemiah Pritchett, 2024 free agents Damarion Williams and Tyler Hall are among those behind Witherspoon, Woolen and Jobe on the depth chart. Macdonald praised Hall on the field in minicamp for repeatedly being sound on his formation and play recognition in the coach's changing scheme. Hall, 26, has played in 31 NFL games over four seasons for the Falcons (in 2020) and Raiders ('21, '22 and '23). 'The guys that are with us right now kind of in that three, four, five spot is exciting,' Macdonald said. 'The guys are doing a great job, but go nail it this summer and come back and go compete your butt off.' Alexander is 28 years old. He was a starter for seven years in Green Bay, from his rookie season of 2018. The Packers selected him 18th overall in that year's NFL draft. His issue the last several years has been injuries. He's played in seven, seven and four games in three of the last four seasons, and in just 34 of a possible 68 regular-season games since the start of the 2021 season. He's had shoulder, knee, groin and back injuries. His 2024, and ultimately time with the Packers, ended after seven games because of a torn posterior ligament in his right knee. He tried to play through that before he needed season-ending surgery. Any team considering signing him will need to be convinced by its medical staff Alexander is healthy and recovered from the knee surgery from later last year. NFL reporter Josina Anderson said this week six teams made 'immediate inquiries' about Alexander, presumably to his agent, after the Packers released him.
USA Today
32 minutes ago
- USA Today
Atlanta Falcons post-draft position preview: Center
Atlanta Falcons post-draft position preview: Center Veteran Ryan Neuzil to replace Drew Dalman as Atlanta's starting center in 2025 The Atlanta Falcons should benefit from continuity on offense this season with 10 of 11 starters set to return in 2025. However, center Drew Dalman signed a lucrative deal with the Chicago Bears on the opening day of NFL free agency, leaving a hole in the middle of Atlanta's offensive line. Since the team didn't add a center in the draft, the Falcons will look to veteran backup Ryan Neuzil to step up in 2025. After starting eight games last season, Neuzil will enter the year as the starter for the first time in his NFL career. In today's post-draft preview, we examine the center position, including depth chart, salary cap space and available free agents. Center depth chart Ryan Neuzil Jovaughn Gwyn Matthew Cindric Michael Gonzalez As you can see above, there's no real threat or competition for Neuzil at center. Gwyn is a former seventh-round pick and has only appeared in two career games. Cindric is a former undrafted free agent who spent his first year in Minnesota. The Falcons signed Gonzalez is an undrafted free agent out of Louisville while they waited for Neuzil to sign his contract. 2025 salary cap hits Neuzil: $3,263,000 Gwyn: $1,030,000 Cindric: $840,000 Gonzalez: $840,000 The Falcons signed Neuzil to a two-year, $9.5 million deal in late May. His 2025 salary cap hit is $3.2 million, which isn't bad for a starting offensive lineman. Gwyn has the second-highest cap hit of the team's centers at $1 million this season. Cindric and Gonzalez are outside of the Falcons' top 51 players in terms of salary cap this season ($840,000 apiece). Top free agents available David Andrews (retired) Nick Harris Dan Feeney Nick Gates The free-agent center market leaves a lot to be desired. It's clear why the team felt bringing back Neuzil was its best option. Former Patriots center David Andrews would have been a good option but he opted to retire following his release. Dan Feeney and Nick Gates are a few low-end options the team could consider if they don't like their current group. Predictions/expectations for 2025 Neuzil is a former undrafted free agent who's spent his entire career as a backup. He played well in place of Dalman last season and now it's his time to shine. While Neuzil doesn't have much experience, he's in a good spot playing between Pro Bowl guard Chris Lindstrom and former second-round pick Matthew Bergeron. If Neuzil doesn't get the job done this season, perhaps the team will give Gwyn a look. Falcons post-draft position breakdowns
