Terry McLaurin stayed at home while the Washington Commanders traveled for joint practice and a preseason game with the New England Patriots. But one team insider believes his contract leverage is increasing without lifting a finger.

McLaurin feels disrespected by the Commanders. The wide receiver wants to be paid among the league’s best, but general manager Adam Peters is reluctant to stump up the cash for someone who’ll be 31 years old when his extension kicks in. A trade request was the most drastic move yet, but it hasn’t changed the perception about a successful conclusion emerging at some stage.

This has more to do with the guaranteed money McLaurin is demanding, according to recent reports. Nobody believes he wants to leave the Commanders. It’s about standing his ground in pursuit of what will probably be the last big payday of his career.

Commanders insider believes WR depth concerns could strengthen Terry McLaurin’s contract stance

Peters hasn’t backed down yet. But that might change quickly based on a subpar showing from Washington’s wideouts during joint practice with the Patriots.

Noah Brown and McLaurin weren’t there. But aside from a few flashes, nobody stood out. This was something Nick Jhabvala from The Athletic thought could give the wideout an extra bargaining chip to get a deal done.

“The Commanders’ lack of depth at WR is concerning. Terry McLaurin didn’t have a ton of leverage in contract negotiations with the team, but that part is growing increasingly favorable for him.”

Nicki Jhabvala

Make no mistake, it won’t go unnoticed by McLaurin. At the same time, the Commanders know he won’t want to miss out on those substantial checks when game day comes.

Deebo Samuel Sr. looked the part during scrimmages versus the Patriots. Things were less impressive for others participating, which is concerning. Even so, there is no chance Peters will become reactionary after dragging it out this long.

Both sides are rooted in their respective stances. The Commanders want McLaurin to stay long-term, but only at the price that suits them. Peters is coming under fire from some sections of the media, but it’s been a long time since Washington’s front office took sentiment out of the equation.

The Commanders need McLaurin. They won’t get very far next season without him. Those lower down the depth chart struggling against the Patriots only placed a bigger microscope on this possible flaw.

If Jhabvala can see it as an intuitive observer from the sidelines, the coaches can too. And that could provide the extra sense of urgency needed to finally get this extension rubber-stamped at long last.

Time will tell…