Schefter Feels McLaurin Wants More Than DK Metcalf's $33M AAV in Commanders Contract

Despite not holding out from training camp, Washington Commanders star receiver Terry McLaurin remains steadfast in his belief that he deserves a new contract, and he reportedly already has a number in mind.

During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that he feels McLaurin "wants considerably more than" the $33 million average annual value given to fellow receiver DK Metcalf in his contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

McLaurin arrived at training camp on Sunday, but he isn't practicing after being placed on the physically unable to perform list with an ankle injury. He briefly spoke with reporters after Monday's practice, but he didn't reveal any details and said he's "just taking it day by day."

The 2025 season is the final year of McLaurin's current contract, and he's set to count for a $25.5 million cap hit. He's maintained his stance that he deserves to be paid among the top receivers in the NFL, and it makes sense that he would view Metcalf's deal as the measuring stick.

Metcalf was selected 12 picks ahead of McLaurin in the 2019 NFL draft, but they've both produced similar numbers. McLaurin has 6,379 career receiving yards to Metcalf's 6,324, while Metcalf has reached the end zone 48 times to McLaurin's 34 career touchdowns. However, Metcalf was rewarded with a contract extension by the Steelers upon being traded from the Seattle Seahawks, while McLaurin is a homegrown talent who is still struggling to get what he feels he deserves from the team that drafted him.

Schefter explained that the Commanders want to keep McLaurin around, but they do not appear close to reaching his contract demands.

"Washington, they're not there right now. They love and value Terry McLaurin, but they love and value him at a different price," Schefter said. "These two sides seem apart on a deal, they don't seem close today."