Hogs Haven
The Athletic (paywall)
That McLaurin got $29 million in average annual value instead of the $32 million he sought is something they “debate” on ESPN. The deal is worth “up to” $96 million over three seasons in the same way I can get “down to” 175 pounds if I’d just eat a little better and work out a little more. It’s an aspiration, not reality.
Just as predicted, neither side is likely all that happy with the final resolution. But the Commanders offered, and McLaurin signed, and we’re 12 days away from the season opener at Northwest Stadium — a game for which No. 17 will now suit up and play, with fuller pockets, including a $30 million signing bonus.
What does matter, though, is that there was an actual negotiation. And that’s the big ol’ marker general manager Adam Peters has slapped down on the table, a year-plus into his stint here.
Under New Management.
The Commanders are no longer the place where you pick up your golden handshake on the back nine of your career. Where there was financial anarchy during the worst of the Snyder Era, there is now rock-ribbed discipline.
It’s not show friends, Bob Sugar said in “Jerry Maguire,” it’s show business.
Washington is now San Francisco East — resembling a place where a lot of good football players have had to work overtime for their next big contract, including Nick Bosa and old friend Trent Williams.
There’s the unmistakable feeling that Peters is letting the rest of the league know how Washington’s going to do business going forward. This was his first high-profile negotiation in D.C., and it left no ambiguity about how sentimentality is not going to be an operating principle here.
The Athletic (paywall)
Washington Commanders: Clelin Ferrell, DE
Spoiler: This wasn’t that big of a surprise. Ferrell, the No. 4 pick in the 2019 draft, signed with Washington last season and re-upped in March as the team attempted to transform its defensive line. The Commanders needed to boost their pass rush, opening the door for Ferrell to prove he should maintain his spot. But he failed to show enough in camp and preseason to warrant keeping him over returning defensive ends Dorance Armstrong and Javontae Jean-Baptiste, or newcomers Deatrich Wise Jr. and Jacob Martin. — Nicki Jhabvala
Washington Post (paywall)
After Tuesday’s cuts, here’s how the position groups look. Changes could be coming soon.
Tuesday was still a key date for Washington’s roster construction — and a great day for undrafted rookie linebacker Ale Kaho, one of the notable players on the bubble who survived the sweeping cuts. Here’s how the Commanders look immediately after their one and only cutdown of the summer.
**Cornerback (5): Trey Amos, Marshon Lattimore, Mike Sainristil, Noah Igbinoghene, Jonathan...
