Contract Holdout Update: Terry McLaurin Absent, RBs James Cook & Kyren Williams Present

It’s not even August, so there’s no need to panic on McLaurin’s situation (or either of the RBs, who could potentially hold-in) just yet. That being said, it will become a situation to monitor for the Commanders receiver as he continues to push for a long-term deal after a career year in 2024. McLaurin’s representation has floated the idea that ‘all options will be explored’, suggesting that a potential trade request out of Washington could be on the table – but until that comes to fruition, it’s probably safe to qualify it as nothing more than a public attempt at leverage. McLaurin has been around the league long enough that time missed in camp won’t be detrimental to his game – throughout his career, he’s been a pro’s pro and is deserving of a new deal after helping break in then-rookie QB Jayden Daniels on the team’s NFC Championship run last season. However, if he would miss any time in the regular season, the Commanders would be forced to rely on the likes of veterans Deebo Samuel and Zach Ertz in the passing game until McLaurin returns.

As for the running backs, Williams and Cook have made it clear that they are both in the market for new deals but have opted to at least be present at their teams’ respective training camps. Just how much Cook participates this summer until a deal is reached remains to be seen, but Williams stated plainly that he intends to practice as usual while a new deal for him is negotiated. No action is necessary in redraft or dynasty formats for either back just yet, but Williams appears more likely to be a non-threat on the holdout front than Cook.