The All Things Terry Thread

[RexTomb]

The league would never punish teams for fictional violations.

Right, because the "spirit of the cap" in an uncapped year when we tried to offload Albert Haynesworth's guaranteed money was totally legit lol.

 

[WCommandersfan25]

I thought Terry himself was smarter than to be misled by a dumb agent. That really seems to be what’s going on here.

Totally agree. What makes him not look good at all is that we were 1 game from the Super Bowl last year. We have a legit chance this year to go this season. Part of me wonders if he's concerned about getting his usual stats with the Deebo addition, drafting Lane, healthy Brown, McCraffey year 2, etc. They really could decline some (not much but just some), so he wants to cash in now. Think it's more the age issue though. Either way my perception of him is beginning to change. I understand this is a business, but this team could do something special. I highly doubt AP is not attempting to work with him.

 

[Canadian Hog]

I’d be willing to bet that when Terry signed his 3 year/68M deal in 2022, there was always a pre-determined plan with his agent to potentially do what he is doing now - holding out for one final payday contract provided play and production warranted it. They know age is working against him. If I am Peters though, my response is, “that’s an ‘ish-you’, not an ‘ish-me.’” Seems to me like advising your client to take a three year deal the first time around was bad business and has set the table for the stalemate we are currently in.

 

[Conn]

I think he meant that both teams have to give IF a new contract is going to happen.

Look, the team has almost all of the leverage here. Sure TM can refuse to play, but he’s under contract and playing hardball is going to lessen the chance he gets a deal or is traded to a good situation. I think he’s getting bad advice from his agent and will be lucky if he gets a new deal.

And Conn, you are probably right, I’m just looking at how the NFL has tried to close loopholes on what happens when players ‘sit out’ for contract demands - and I’m also looking at Dallas, the Giants, and the Eagles who would love for the league to look at what Peters is doing and question the validity of it. Makes me nervous. We all know TM is fine and would be practicing if it weren’t for the hold out. The NFL likely knows it too.

I get it after the “spirit of the salary cap” debacle but I think team owners would secretly admit that they want to keep this particular negotiating tool in their toolbelt, it seems to happen fairly often. It’s a soft negotiating tool they can allow to show a willingness to cooperate. Hell, Parsons in Dallas specifically is nursing a “tight back” and not participating right now amid a contract dispute and people are also talking openly about how it’s really about the contract. So it’s not just us.

I think these things only ever escalate when the team in question is no longer served by the “injury” situation. Absent that, teams likely aren’t going to open the Pandora’s Box of interrogating unprovable injury claims

 

[burgold]

The only caveat being that Terry's last contract was already a huge (probably slightly overpaid) contract... so he sort of already got his huge deal.

Sure, but I'm sure that doesn't even occur to him.

 

[Hail Raiser]

I wish we could trade Terry and our 1rst for Nabers.

 

[Bigwig]

I’d be willing to bet that when Terry signed his 3 year/68M deal in 2022, there was always a pre-determined plan with his agent to potentially do what he is doing now - holding out for one final payday contract provided play and production warranted it. They know age is working against him. If I am Peters though, my response is, “that’s an ‘ish-you’, not an ‘ish-me.’” Seems to me like advising your client to take a three year deal the first time around was bad business and has set the table for the stalemate we are currently in.

I agree that was the strategy, but not that it was misguided, because WR salaries did in fact increase dramatically. The problem is more that he was relatively old already.

 

[Bigwig]

Totally agree. What makes him not look good at all is that we were 1 game from the Super Bowl last year. We have a legit chance this year to go this season. Part of me wonders if he's concerned about getting his usual stats with the Deebo addition, drafting Lane, healthy Brown, McCraffey year 2, etc. They really could decline some (not much but just some), so he wants to cash in now. Think it's more the age issue though. Either way my perception of him is beginning to change. I understand this is a business, but this team could do something special. I highly doubt AP is not attempting to work with him.

I’m on Team Blame Agent—McClaurin’s disappointment seemed sincere. I know from personal experience that even super smart people are not necessarily objective about their own situations.

 

[skinsinparadise]

They are talking about this on 980, Sutton supposedly said something like he wanted to help the team compete, he knew he could have gotten more if he pushed but he didn't for that reason. So since giving team friendly deals that helps the big picture for the team doesn't seem to be Terry's kind of thing, does this weaken the comp with the Sutton deal?

 

[prodigy]

They are talking about this on 980, Sutton supposedly said something like he wanted to help the team compete, he knew he could have gotten more if he pushed but he didn't for that reason. So since giving team friendly deals that helps the big picture for the team doesn't seem to be Terry's kind of thing, does this weaken the comp with the Sutton deal?

I don't think so. at most, he could've maybe squeezed a 2 to 3 million more and it still puts us in the range, I think, the team wants Terry to be at - 28 to 30 million.

 

[skinsinparadise]

I don't think so. at most, he could've maybe squeezed a 2 to 3 million more and it still puts us in the range, I think, the team wants Terry to be at - 28 to 30 million.

I'd guess so. The whole process IMO hurts Terry's legacy some as to being all about the team. When you got a radio station taking calls about some players want to give a little for the team to win, but Terry doesn't roll like that, etc. And don't get me wrong, I don't fault a player for having a mercenary approach to contract negotiations. But if Terry wants to bill himself as different, special and all about the team -- in some regards its true and in another regards its clearly not true.

 

[Bulldog]

Terry was overpaid IMO 3 years ago, and that 'tax' was levied largely because Washington's team was a mess from the top down and that was the price to retain the player amid the circus we were running.

Now things have changed. And there is no longer a 'luxury' tax to play for the Commanders. Guys come here because they want to win and get paid.

If I am Adam Peters seeing across the roster and the need to redo Laremy Tunsil's deal in 2026 and potentially a new deal for Deebo if he really excels as the #2, I am thinking about using my #1 or #2 pick next year on an outside receiver to be the future here with Jayden.

On that basis, I don't know that Peters is that worried about how Terry feels at the end of the season as at 31 he might not be in the team's plans.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Terry was overpaid IMO 3 years ago, and that 'tax' was levied largely because Washington's team was a mess from the top down and that was the price to retain the player amid the circus we were running.

Now things have changed. And there is no longer a 'luxury' tax to play for the Commanders. Guys come here because they want to win and get paid.

If I am Adam Peters seeing across the roster and the need to redo Laremy Tunsil's deal in 2026 and potentially a new deal for Deebo if he really excels as the #2, I am thinking about using my #1 or #2 pick next year on an outside receiver to be the future here with Jayden.

On that basis, I don't know that Peters is that worried about how Terry feels at the end of the season as at 31 he might not be in the team's plans.

Yeah agree. A reporter (if I recall Keim) said in the last contract negotiation where Terry also held out, it wasn't going well. But Dan wanted a PR win at that time and he instructed the FO to just give in.

I wonder if Terry and the agent think this is the way to go since it worked last time -- don't budge at all, ask for the moon, and bet on the team blinking first.

But the problem is Peters isn't Ron. Harris isn't Dan. And this team has the leverage.

 

[Voice_of_Reason]

It's really unfortunate. There are a bunch of ways to get this done, a lot of creativity that can be implemented, but the key is Terry has to recognize he's 30 and that matters. Not this year, MAYBE not next year, but it really does matter if you go ahead into his age 32 and 33 seasons, which would be part of this extension.

Something Galdi said which I think was really insightful: this is the first time the team has leaked anything about anything. They've been entirely buttoned up about literally everything, nobody knows what they are going to do until they've done it. Until Schefter when on TV and told everybody Terry was looking for more than DK got.

That's a change in strategy and it's noticeable. Galdi speculated it could be because Peters was irked by Terry's Eastern Motors showcase, and so this was his response. The more I think about it, the more I think that's probably exactly what happened. Terry has no leverage except for getting fan pressure. So he went out and tried to drum up more fan sentiment. Peters didn't love he was so public about it, and also probably thinks Terry's side is being obstinate and unreasonable. So, he fired back by leaking to Schefter a counter point.

In the end, it's not a big deal. But it is telling the Commanders are SO secretive and buttoned up, this type of information does not leak unless it's intentional. And this seemed very intentional. Then you have to question why.

Will it matter in the end? Probably not.

I think we're heading to a point where Terry is going to have to make a choice to sit out regular season games or not, either with or without a contract extension.

Here's what I don't know: now that Terry is "holding in" and they've claimed he has an ankle injury, can he just stay on PUP all year, get paid, and never play, and then get to FA? Can the Commanders pull him off the PUP list without his consent? If he comes off of PUP, and is around the team but refuses to play, then what? These are the questions I don't know the answer to.

It is interesting to see what Terry CAN do and what he CAN'T do, and what the team CAN do, and what they CAN'T do because it determines the leverage each side has.

 

[prodigy]

I'd guess so. The whole process IMO hurts Terry's legacy some as to being all about the team. When you got a radio station taking calls about some players want to give a little for the team to win, but Terry doesn't roll like that, etc. And don't get me wrong, I don't fault a player for having a mercenary approach to contract negotiations. But if Terry wants to bill himself as different, special and all about the team -- in some regards its true and in another regards its clearly not true.

I can understand and respect your viewpoint but, to me, shaving 4 to 5 million dollars off the top end of what he is asking for isn't a make or break issue for team construction. would it help? of course, but contracts always get restructured and manipulated. if terry was like this about the contract AND played selfishly I'd agree with you. to me, the more important aspects about "team first" behavior are:

• leadership
• preparation (physically and mentally)
• doing the little things for others like blocking and not taking plays off when the ball isn't coming to you
• celebration of the accomplishments of others and not sulking because it's not you
• prioritizing winning over individual accolades

Terry has that stuff in spades. if the business aspect of how things have been going this off-season spoils all of that and taints Terry as a "me first" kind of guy for some, it is what it is.

 

[skinsinparadise]

It's really unfortunate. There are a bunch of ways to get this done, a lot of creativity that can be implemented, but the key is Terry has to recognize he's 30 and that matters. Not this year, MAYBE not next year, but it really does matter if you go ahead into his age 32 and 33 seasons, which would be part of this extension.

Something Galdi said which I think was really insightful: this is the first time the team has leaked anything about anything. They've been entirely buttoned up about literally everything, nobody knows what they are going to do until they've done it. Until Schefter when on TV and told everybody Terry was looking for more than DK got.

That's a change in strategy and it's noticeable. Galdi speculated it could be because Peters was irked by Terry's Eastern Motors showcase, and so this was his response. The more I think about it, the more I think that's probably exactly what happened. Terry has no leverage except for getting fan pressure. So he went out and tried to drum up more fan sentiment. Peters didn't love he was so public about it, and also probably thinks Terry's side is being obstinate and unreasonable. So, he fired back by leaking to Schefter a counter point.

In the end, it's not a big deal. But it is telling the Commanders are SO secretive and buttoned up, this type of information does not leak unless it's intentional. And this seemed very intentional. Then you have to question why.

Will it matter in the end? Probably not.

I think we're heading to a point where Terry is going to have to make a choice to sit out regular season games or not, either with or without a contract extension.

Here's what I don't know: now that Terry is "holding in" and they've claimed he has an ankle injury, can he just stay on PUP all year, get paid, and never play, and then get to FA? Can the Commanders pull him off the PUP list without his consent? If he comes off of PUP, and is around the team but refuses to play, then what? These are the questions I don't know the answer to.

It is interesting to see what Terry CAN do and what he CAN'T do, and what the team CAN do, and what they CAN'T do because it determines the leverage each side has.

Schefter didn't just say more than Metcalf but "signficantly" more. I am guessing then Terry is looking for 35-40 million a season. And doing it with a bit of emotional blackmail saying multiple times its not about the money but what the money signifies that he's as good or better than said players making the same. Heck even if Terry was 25, the point would be borderline ridiculous. But adding that he will be 31, when his new contract would even start makes its double ridiculous.

At least judging by their public statements, its something like this (some hyperbole on my end to bring the points in hard)

A. the money will show how much they love me. If they don't pay me what I believe I deserve it shows they don't value me. Simple as that.

B. The age issue is ridiculous. i don't care how many other Wrs dropped off their production in their 30s -- I am Terry "f" Mclaurin. I am special. I am built different. I am going to age like a fine French wine.

 

[Discobob]

Trade him for Hendrickson and sign Amari Cooper off the street for peanuts.

Mostly joking, but...

 

[Chris 44]

I can understand and respect your viewpoint but, to me, shaving 4 to 5 million dollars off the top end of what he is asking for isn't a make or break issue for team construction. would it help? of course, but contracts always get restructured and manipulated. if terry was like this about the contract AND played selfishly I'd agree with you. to me, the more important aspects about "team first" behavior are:

• leadership
• preparation (physically and mentally)
• doing the little things for others like blocking and not taking plays off when the ball isn't coming to you
• celebration of the accomplishments of others and not sulking because it's not you
• prioritizing winning over individual accolades

Terry has that stuff in spades. if the business aspect of how things have been going this off-season spoils all of that and taints Terry as a "me first" kind of guy for some, it is what it is.

In all honesty I don't see anyone on this team that isn't already doing all of that

 

[skinsinparadise]

I can understand and respect your viewpoint but, to me, shaving 4 to 5 million dollars off the top end of what he is asking for isn't a make or break issue for team construction. would it help? of course, but contracts always get restructured and manipulated. if terry was like this about the contract AND played selfishly I'd agree with you. to me, the more important aspects about "team first" behavior is preparation (physically and mentally), leadership, doing the little things for others like blocking and not taking plays off when the ball isn't coming to you, celebration of the accomplishments of others and not sulking because it's not you, and prioritizing winning over individual accolades. Terry has that stuff in spades. if the business aspect of how things have been going this off-season spoils all of that and taints Terry as a "me first" kind of guy for some, it is what it is.

Judging by fan polls on twitter, talk radio, etc -- heck even Keim referenced this point on a recent podcast, Terry has lost some PR ground with fans.

Among other things, Terry comes off like he deserves to be compensated extra for being a good guy. He's made references to the point about how good of a solider he's been and that needs to be accounted for. Look if I helped an old woman cross the street -- it's a good deed. If I went to the woman and asked for $5 for it. It sours it some in my book. And look its not apples to apples and as extreme as that. But it plays off of the idea that great leaders don't say they are great leaders -- and that's part of what makes them great.

I can deal with Terry not being like some players in the NFL who give a little to help the team. I can deal with him wanting to get a fair salary, too versus giving the team a break. But the idea that he doesn't budge in contracts (didn't do it last time either), wants to be overpaid (granted he doesn't think its overpayment), takes shots at the organization he supposedly loves, and holds out -- that's a lot of drama for me, and yeah am with the fans that side with the team on this.

Do I still love Terry? You bet. do I think he's tarnished his "team first" reputation. For me, absolutely. If it doesn't for you. That's cool, to each their own.

As for sucking up the overpay. I'll start with the gap seems more than 4-5 million. But lets stick to 5 million for argument sake. 5 million a year is basically a player every year. But its not about Terry of course in a vaccum -- but 5 million here, another 5 million there, another 5 million there and then you are talking about a marquee player per season.

If it was no big deal how much Terry was overpaid in the eyes of this FO, I don't think they would stubbornly hold their ground.

Agree if we just had to pander to one dude where the FO felt they were paying over their value, its not the end of the world. But they got Tunsill coming up who is a hard negotiator. Luvu. Probably got to rework Payne's contract. Also moving cap dollars savings year after year will ultimately help when its time to pay Jayden.

 

[prodigy]

In all honesty I don't see anyone on this team that isn't already doing all of that

Me saying this about Terry is not an indictment on anyone else, because I never said that. I am just stating what Terry has shown throughout his career in very bad situations with the previous regime.