NFL

Commanders sign WR Terry McLaurin to three-year, $96 million contract extension

Entering yesterday, there were four active contract disputes in the NFL. Among the four, an agreement between the Commanders and McLaurin seemed the closest to the finish line. Now, we wait and see what happens for Trey Hendrickson, Cameron Heyward and Micah Parsons. I believe negotiations for each player are furthest along based on the order they’re listed.

Washington basically had to pay McLaurin, right? The progress of franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels — and the organization at large — was at stake throughout negotiations. McLaurin is indispensable to the Commanders’ offensive operation, as he gives Daniels a true alpha target capable of anything and everything expected from wide receivers. While not truly elite, McLaurin is one of the most dependable players in the league.

McLaurin posted 82 receptions for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns last season.

These dealings were a bit contentious, with the wideout missing training camp and the preseason. For McLaurin, it was worth it, as he’ll earn an amount very close to his asking price. Washington had to cave, and as a result will assume the risk of rostering a highly-paid wide receiver on the wrong side of 30. In terms of character and durability, McLaurin is the type of player to take that gamble on, however.

The Commanders, despite trotting out a second-year passer, are wholly in win-now mode. The team’s roster is chock-full of veterans ready to compete for a Super Bowl, and having McLaurin around makes that goal significantly more attainable.

Grade: B-

Browns receive:
2026 fifth-round pick

Raiders receive:
QB Kenny Pickett

There’s an episode of “Seinfeld” where Jerry can’t stop breaking even, regardless of the activity he partakes in. Well, that’s the Browns with Pickett. Cleveland dealt a fifth-round selection to the Eagles to acquire the quarterback earlier this offseason, and now receives the same compensation for shipping him to Las Vegas.

For the Browns, it’s a sensible move. Cleveland seemed to be headed toward keeping four signal-callers on its 53-man roster, but that would’ve been unprecedented. Dealing Pickett frees up a roster spot — and results in a more normal depth chart.

Dillon Gabriel should assume the second-string quarterback spot for the Browns. The biggest consequence of this deal, though, is Joe Flacco likely gaining a longer leash as the team’s starter.

Aidan O’Connell fractured his wrist in the Raiders’ final preseason game, leading to a need at backup quarterback. Las Vegas was seeking out a veteran for the position, and Pickett is a solid fit. The former first-round pick has appeared in 30 career games, so he offers the requisite experience. The jury is still out on Pickett’s ability, but the Raiders surely feel better about their quarterback room following this trade.

Browns Grade: A-

Raiders Grade: C+